Nairobi: As unemployment continues to pose a major challenge for thousands of young Kenyans, a vocational training initiative in Mathioya, Murang’a County, is equipping youth with practical skills that are enabling them to secure employment, establish businesses and build sustainable livelihoods.
According to Kenya News Agency, the 360 Climate Institute is offering free vocational training to young people who were unable to continue with formal education because of financial constraints or poor academic performance. The programme provides trainees with marketable skills that prepare them for employment or self-employment while restoring hope to those who had given up on their future.
Since its establishment, the institute has trained more than 400 young people in various technical and vocational fields, with many graduates now working in different industries or operating their own businesses.
For Josephine Wanjiku, the opportunity came when financial hardship forced her to abandon her education. She enrolled for a one-year plumbing course at the institute and now works for a major construction company in Naivasha, earning a stable income. ‘The training gave me a second chance in life. I can now support myself and look forward to a better future,’ she said.
Another trainee, Winrose Wacera, is pursuing a course in Catering and Food Technology and hopes to establish her own restaurant after graduation. She said the institute enabled her to access quality vocational education at no cost, allowing her to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions. ‘I could not afford college fees elsewhere, but here I have received quality training free of charge. My dream is to own a restaurant that will also employ other young people,’ she said.
Morris Ngarega also credits the institute with changing the course of his life. Before joining the programme in 2024, he relied on casual jobs to survive. After completing a one-year course in solar and electrical installation, he secured an internship through one of the institute’s industry partners and now works as an electrician with a company in Ngong. The stable income has enabled him to meet his daily needs while planning for a brighter future.
Beyond vocational training, the institute is promoting sustainable agriculture through a smart farming programme that aims to improve food security and generate income for local farmers. Paul Macharia, who oversees the programme, said more than 600 farmers have already been trained in organic fruit and vegetable production using environmentally friendly farming methods.
The institute is also nurturing creative talent. Paul Thuku, who trained in photography and videography, is now employed by the institution as its official photographer. He said his poor academic performance did not prevent him from pursuing a successful career after acquiring practical skills.
Founder and Board Chairperson Hannah Muriithi said the institution was established to address youth unemployment, school dropout and social challenges affecting young people. She said the institute started with only 38 students and has steadily expanded, transforming the lives of hundreds of young people through free vocational education. ‘Many of these young people had lost hope. Today they are employed, running businesses and supporting their families. Skills training has restored their dignity and kept many away from crime, drug abuse and depression,’ she said.
Muriithi said the organisation plans to expand the programme to other counties while tailoring courses to suit the economic opportunities and labour market needs of each region. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Irungu said the programme complements the formal education system by providing practical training to youth who are unable to pursue higher education. He noted that all courses are offered free of charge, removing financial barriers that prevent many young people from accessing technical education.
The institute has partnered with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), enabling graduates to receive nationally recognised certificates that improve their employability. ‘So far, more than 400 young people have benefited from the programme. Some have established successful businesses while others have secured employment in different sectors,’ said Irungu.
The institution offers training in plumbing, solar installation, carpentry and joinery, fashion and design, catering and food technology, photography and videography, knitting, environmental conservation and smart farming. Lawrence Kanja, the area chief, said the initiative has transformed not only individual lives but also the wider community. He noted that the locality had previously struggled with crime, drug abuse and idleness among young people, but the situation has improved significantly as more youth acquire practical skills and meaningful employment.
‘What we are witnessing is not just skills training; it is community transformation. Young people who once had no direction are now employed, running businesses and becoming role models to others,’ said Kanja. As Kenya continues to grapple with youth unemployment, the success of the 360 Climate Institute demonstrates how practical skills, industry partnerships and mentorship can empower young people, create employment opportunities and contribute to sustainable community development.
