Uasin gishu: The Uasin Gishu County Government, in collaboration with the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, has completed a two-day handover exercise. This initiative successfully transitioned trainees from seven informal settlements to their designated trainers and trainer assistants.
According to Kenya News Agency, this marks the commencement of a 45-day intensive training programme targeting over 350 youth from the informal settlements of Maili Nne, Shauri Moyo, Mwanzo, Kipkaren, KK, Segero, and Kasarani. The programme aims to equip participants with social-emotional skills to help them achieve financial independence, social responsibility, and resilience.
Edward Sawe, the County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, praised the initiative as transformative and urged the youth to engage with the training earnestly, highlighting its potential to positively impact their lives. Mary Kerich, Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Development, pledged the department’s full support to ensure the programme’s smooth execution and expressed gratitude for Uasin Gishu being selected as a beneficiary county.
Janet Ochieng, NYOTA Program National Coordinator, acknowledged the exceptional coordination by the Uasin Gishu County Government. She handed over the training manuals and curriculum to the trainers and the County Executive Committee Member, marking the official start of the training period.
The NYOTA Program’s Socio-Emotional Skills Development component focuses on equipping youth aged 18-29, and up to 35 for persons with disabilities, with essential soft skills necessary for workplace readiness and employability. The training includes modules on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, self-awareness, adaptability, discipline, and financial literacy, serving as a precursor to technical and on-the-job training.
The event was attended by several notable individuals, including Beatrice Menjo, Director of Housing, Gladys Tuitoek, County Director of Youth, Edson Moreno, KISIP National Project Coordinator Representative, and Wagura Theuri, Accountant at the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, among others.
