A total of 600 youth graduated with Grade III certification from the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) through the KCB Foundation’s 2Jiajiri programme, in partnership with the Homa Bay County Government. The trainees were drawn from 19 vocational training centres across the county.

The initiative, supported by a joint investment of KSh24 million, aims to boost youth employability and entrepreneurship through technical training. Of the graduates, 164 top-performing youth received business starter toolkits to help them transition into self-employment.

The 2Jiajiri programme is designed to enhance the income-generating capacity of Kenya’s youth through a comprehensive skilling model that includes nine months of classroom instruction, a three-month industrial attachment, and business development support from the KCB Foundation, including access to affordable start-up capital.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, KCB Foundation Head of Programs, Joblin Omari emphasized the importance of investing in youth to unlock economic potential:

“MSMEs are the backbone of a thriving economy, making them a pathway toward creating decent and sustainable employment. Homa Bay County is home to a predominantly youthful population, with over half under the age of 30. By enabling access to dignified work, we not only improve livelihoods but also drive long-term socio-economic growth.”

To date, the 2Jiajiri programme has trained 35,618 youth and supported the creation of over 150,000 jobs nationwide. In addition:

• 10,954 trainees are currently receiving mentorship through KCB Foundation’s Business Development Services (BDS) unit
• KES 267 million has been disbursed in youth enterprise loans
• 2,225 start-up toolkits have been issued
• 6,535 youth-led businesses have undergone financial literacy training