A new generation of job creators has emerged in Matuga, Kwale County, as more than 50 young men and women crossed the graduation stage armed not just with certificates, but with real-world skills and tools to launch their entrepreneurial journeys. 

Through the transformative 2Jiajiri programme—an initiative of KCB Foundation in partnership with Matuga Constituency NG-CDF—these youth completed nine months of rigorous, hands-on training in beauty and therapy at Rashmmy Beauty College and Tiwi Vocational Training Center. 

But this graduation was more than a ceremonial capstone; it marked a turning point. With 20 of the top performers receiving fully equipped starter kits, the initiative is not only empowering youth with technical skills and financial literacy—it is laying the foundation for micro-enterprises that promise to ripple economic opportunity across their communities. 

As KCB Foundation’s Head of Programmes Bernard Barasa emphasized, this partnership model is designed to democratize access to opportunity, accelerating grassroots transformation through youth-led economic empowerment.

Matuga constituency MP, Hon. Tandaza Kassim applauded the collaboration between the KCB Foundation 2jiajiri initiative and the NG-CDF Matuga Constituency as a model of what public and private sector partnerships can achieve in solving challenges and transforming the community.

“We will continue to find opportunities for our youth, as they hold the power to positively transform our communities and when equipped, they serve as catalysts of growth” he added.

KCB Foundation and Mastercard Foundation have been partnering with counties, the National Government, and other stakeholders in Kenya to implement the Young Africa Works (YAW) program, which trains and equips youths with relevant technical skills, preparing them to thrive in the job market.

Each training lasts for six months and consists of three months in the classroom and three months of industrial attachment to address the technical skills gaps.

Upon completing their attachment, the trainees are channelled into existing employment opportunities. Those aspiring to establish micro-enterprises receive comprehensive support from KCB Bank through KCB Foundation. This includes access to Business Development Services (BDS), trade-specific starter toolkits and working capital to kick-start their ventures successfully.

Since 2016, the 2Jiajiri programme has created 150,555 jobs and trained 35,195 youth in various technical skills countrywide. Currently, 10,954 youth are under the mentorship wing with the KCB Foundation business development officer. 

KCB Bank has disbursed KES267 million loans to support youth owned enterprises and issued 2,225 start up toolkits (tools for trade) to 2Jiajiri participants, with 6,535 businesses trained on financial literacy.