Nairobi, Kenya, August 1, 2024— The Family Group Foundation, in collaboration with the Military Wives Association of Kenya, has launched a new technical and vocational training initiative for dependents of the Kenya Navy. This expansion of their training program aims to benefit 50 Kenya Navy dependents with specialized courses in plumbing and electrical installation.
Previously, the program has supported 100 dependents from the Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Air Force, focusing on enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial skills. Graduates from the initial cohorts have made notable strides, with 15 percent securing positions within the Kenya Defence Forces as skilled tradesmen, while the remaining 85 percent have successfully entered the job market or started their own businesses.
Major General Fatuma Ahmed, Kenya Air Force Commander, praised the ongoing partnership, highlighting its role in providing transformative social and economic opportunities for young dependents. “This program inspires our youth to contribute meaningfully to national development and positively impact their communities,” she stated during the 2nd cohort graduation ceremony.
Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) Chair Grace Kahariri & Melody Savayi, one of the 50 dependents of Kenya Air Force service men and women from the vocational and technical skills programme by The Family Group Foundation and MWAK, join the Foundation’s Board Trustee Muema Muindi, NCA Training Manager Juliet Kabere & the Foundation’s Executive Director John Waimiri during the programme’s 2nd graduation.
Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau emphasized the importance of vocational and technical training in preparing young people for the evolving labor market. “We are dedicated to equipping youth with practical skills necessary for successful employment and entrepreneurship, ensuring a sustainable future,” Njau said.
The new training program for Kenya Navy dependents includes a comprehensive three-month course and provides construction starter toolkits valued at KES 50,000. This initiative is part of the Tufuzu Youth Entrepreneurship Development Project, certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the National Construction Authority (NCA), aimed at aligning skills development with labor market demands.
Innocent Ndambuki demonstrates his electrical skills to Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Fatuma Ahmed, Family Bank Non-Executive Director Mark Keriri, CEO Nancy Njau, Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) Chair Grace Kahariri during the graduation of 50 dependents of Kenya Air Force service men and women from the vocational and technical skills programme by The Family Group Foundation and MWAK.
Grace Kahariri, Chairlady of the Military Wives Association of Kenya, expressed confidence in the program’s potential to address youth unemployment and bridge the skills gap. “We believe this program will contribute significantly to reducing unemployment among young dependents and support our national economic agenda,” Kahariri said.
The Family Group Foundation’s expanded training program underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable community development and empowering the next generation of skilled professionals