150 get key skills under KCB’s 2Jiajiri plan
A total of 150 beneficiaries of KCB Foundation’s 2Jiajiri programme have graduated today with diplomas and certificates in various trades.
Among the 150 trainees in Mawego TTI in Homa Bay County, 108 were trained in construction courses such as electrical, masonry, plumbing and welding while 42 were trained in domestic services (e.g. bakery). Twenty-two received construction toolkits to start individual and group-owned enterprises.
The two entities partnered in 2021 with a plan to formalize the informal sector through upskilling of thousands of artisans.
“We are most proud of the 2Jiajiri programme through which we provide vocational and technical training and business development support to the youth across the region,” head of KCB Foundation Caroline Wanjeri said.
The ceremony was graced by Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Gladys Wanga, Governor Homa Bay County, and other government officials and stakeholders in vocational and technical education.
CS Machogu reiterated the importance of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) centres, especially in absorbing the high number of KCSE graduates who do not get the opportunity to join universities.
“The youth and society at large are slowly but steadily overcoming the erring belief that white-collar jobs are better than blue-collar jobs. We must continue to embrace the blue-collar economy to accelerate the industrialization and socio-economic development of our country,” said Mr Machogu.
“As a ministry, we are committed to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Stem) programs through TVETs as we aim to soon start exporting skilled labour in these areas to Germany and other European countries,” the CS added.
