In a significant boost to youth empowerment and economic inclusion, the KCB Foundation today celebrated the graduation of 340 young people from its flagship 2jiajiri program in Nandi County. The graduates, drawn from 10 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, have successfully completed skills training aimed at fostering self-employment and job creation in a county grappling with high youth unemployment.
The graduation ceremony, attended by Nandi County Governor Hon. Stephen Sang, senior officials from national and county governments, and key stakeholders including the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), marked a pivotal achievement in the Foundation’s partnership with Mastercard Foundation under the Young Africa Works (YAW) programme.
“Through the 2jiajiri programme, we are making a profound impact in the communities we serve as we endeavor to tackle youth unemployment. Today’s event marks another significant step towards this objective. The 340 graduates are now ready to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey because they are well equipped with the technical skills,” said Mendi Njonjo, Director, KCB Foundation.
The 2jiajiri initiative targets vulnerable youth by offering short vocational training courses spanning 6 to 9 months, which include life skills, work readiness, enterprise development, and a three-month industrial attachment. This practical approach is tailored to bridge the skills gap in key sectors such as construction, agriculture, beauty and personal care, mechanics, and hospitality.
To support the transition from training to entrepreneurship, 136 starter toolkits were distributed to select graduates during the event. These toolkits are essential for launching micro-enterprises, enabling graduates to apply their skills and begin income-generating activities immediately.
Graduates are also supported through Business Development Services (BDS) and gain access to startup and working capital facilitated by KCB Bank. This comprehensive support system is designed to position the youth as both job creators and contributors to the wider economy.
Since its inception, the 2jiajiri programme has trained over 40,063 youth and facilitated the creation of more than 179,822 jobs across Kenya. Additionally, KCB has disbursed nearly KES 1.7 billion in startup loans and distributed 2,225 toolkits, empowering thousands of youth to deliver quality services across multiple trades.
The KCB Foundation’s continued investment in youth skills development underscores its long-term commitment to sustainable economic growth and social transformation. Through partnerships with institutions like Mastercard Foundation and government agencies, the Foundation aims to equip the next generation with the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive in Kenya’s evolving job market.
As the newly certified graduates prepare to embark on their entrepreneurial paths, the impact of the 2jiajiri programme is expected to ripple through Nandi County, fueling innovation, reducing unemployment, and fostering inclusive development.
Written By Rodney Mbua
