KCB Foundation and the Nandi County Government have partnered to equip young people with practical skills to improve their chances of securing jobs and starting businesses.
The partnership follows the graduation of the second group of trainees under the Foundation’s 2Jiajiri Programme, which aims to address youth unemployment through vocational training, enterprise development and improved access to employment opportunities.
The graduates have completed technical training in various trades and are expected to move into employment or self-employment. Beyond training, the programme provides business development services, access to financing, mentorship and market connections to help young people establish sustainable businesses.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony at Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex, KCB Foundation Head of Programmes Joblin Omari said skills training must be linked to actual employment opportunities.
“Skills development must go hand in hand with job creation. Training provides the foundation, but its true value is realized when a graduate secures employment, establishes a sustainable business or creates opportunities for others,” said Omari.
He added that the programme goes beyond classroom training by addressing challenges that prevent skilled young people from participating fully in the economy. The initiative comes as Nandi County prepares for an increase in its working-age population, which is projected to reach 647,981 by 2027, according to county estimates. The growing population has increased the need for practical training that matches labour market demands and supports business growth.
“We must equip our young people with practical, market-relevant skills that enable them to secure employment, start businesses and create jobs for others,” said Nandi Governor Stephen Sang. He said the partnership would strengthen the county’s efforts to prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship.
The graduation marks the second group to complete training under the programme in Nandi County, while a third cohort is currently undergoing training. Established in 2016, the 2Jiajiri Programme supports young people in acquiring technical skills, establishing businesses and accessing job opportunities.
According to the Foundation, the initiative has so far supported the creation of more than 150,555 jobs, trained 35,195 young people and assisted 10,954 youth-owned businesses through business development services. It has also facilitated more than USD 2 million in start-up loans and distributed 2,225 toolkits to help graduates establish or expand their businesses.
Through partnerships with county governments, training institutions and industry players, KCB Foundation aims to connect vocational training with employment, enterprise growth and sustainable livelihoods.