Nairobi: At least 831 youths have graduated from the 2jiajiri Programme in Makueni, a collaborative initiative between the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Foundation and the county government. This programme is designed to equip young people with technical and entrepreneurial skills, addressing the challenge of youth unemployment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the six-month training provided certificates in various trades, including carpentry, electrical, hairdressing and beauty therapy, knitting and leather work, plumbing, baking and pastry, and computer operations. Makueni governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr emphasized the partnership’s significant investment of Sh60 million towards youth training in technical skills.
Governor Kilonzo Jr assured the graduates that the government would support their business ventures by providing necessary tools and waiving permit fees. The training was conducted across various Vocational Training Centres in the county. “My government and KCB Foundation will provide 264 youths with toolkits of trade and a permit waiver to enhance businesses,” stated Mutula at the graduation ceremony in MIVEC, Wote town.
Highlighting further support for youth empowerment, the governor announced the Makueni Empowerment Youth Fund, recently passed by the County Assembly of Makueni. This fund offers loans ranging from Sh50,000 to Sh500,000 to youth groups for initiating income-generating projects. Mutula encouraged the youth to form groups to access these loans as part of efforts to combat unemployment.
The governor also revealed that Sh80 million has been invested in VTC infrastructure over the past three years, with additional funds allocated for the 2026/2027 financial year to continue expanding youth empowerment initiatives.
KCB Foundation Head of Programme, Joblin Omani, emphasized the programme’s focus on bridging the skills gap by integrating technical training with business development and access to toolkits. “The 264 who topped their classes today have proven they are ready for the market. The toolkits are seed capital for their hustles,” Omani remarked.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, and County Executive Committee member for Education Japheth Mang’oka.
