Nyamira, Kenya –KCB Foundation has entered into a strategic partnership with Nyamira County to invest KShs. 100 million in youth empowerment and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the county. The agreement marks a major step towards driving economic growth through skills training, job creation, and affordable credit for small businesses.
The partnership includes a co-investment of KShs. 30 million—shared equally between KCB Foundation and Nyamira County—for the rollout of the Foundation’s flagship 2Jiajiri vocational skilling programme. This initiative targets youth empowerment through technical training and enterprise development, aimed at boosting self-employment and increasing employability.
Additionally, the partnership will establish a KShs. 100 million County SME Fund to enhance access to financing for local MSMEs. The fund will be structured to offer affordable credit facilities, financial literacy training, and market access opportunities. Diaspora banking services will also be extended to Nyamira citizens living abroad, broadening the reach of the program.
Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, KCB Foundation Director Mendi Njonjo stated, “The operationalisation of the County SME fund is a testament to our commitment to catalyse economic growth and tackle youth unemployment. With Nyamira County on board, we look forward to nurturing small and medium enterprises run by youth, leveraging vocational skills and single-digit loans to help them launch and grow.”
The 2Jiajiri programme will offer training in key sectors including automotive engineering, construction, electrical installation, beauty and personal care, domestic services, and agribusiness. Youth will undergo classroom training for 3–6 months, followed by a National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Grade 3 assessment. Graduates will then be linked to internships, jobs, and business development support from the Foundation.
Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo emphasized the importance of access to credit for economic resilience: “Credit is the lifeline that MSMEs need to survive. We have set aside this MSME credit fund to catalyse a healthy local economy that can create jobs and drive liquidity in Nyamira County.”
He also highlighted the youth demographic as a cornerstone for development: “By equipping our young people with practical technical skills, we can support the creation of meaningful and sustainable employment.”
Since its inception in 2016, the 2Jiajiri programme has created 150,555 jobs and trained 35,195 youth across the country. To date, KCB Foundation has disbursed KShs. 267 million in loans, issued 2,225 startup toolkits, and mentored 10,954 youth entrepreneurs through dedicated business development officers.
This partnership is expected to significantly uplift the economic prospects of Nyamira County by empowering the youth and supporting grassroots entrepreneurship.
By Kelly Were
