Wote: Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) has provided scholarships amounting to over Sh7.9 million to at least 177 youths in Makueni County for courses at County Technical Training Institutes (CTTIs) aimed at skill acquisition for self-reliance.
According to Kenya News Agency, the youths will engage in a three-month training program at various CTTIs to develop skills in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, cosmetology, and electrical work.
“We have covered tuition fees for each youth enrolled in courses such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical, cosmetology, and masonry,” stated SHOFCO Facilitator Agnes Mwende Mwikali during an interview in Wote town. “Each student has received Sh45,000 for training,” she added.
Mwikali emphasized the objective of empowering youths to achieve self-employment, reducing reliance on white-collar jobs. The organization plans to expand support in the future. Currently, students are attending training at Nduluku, Marwa, and Makueni CTTIs among others in the county.
During her discussion with KNA, Mwikali also shared that SHOFCO is funding 40 youth groups in four Makueni Sub Counties with Sh1 million in grants for start-up businesses. The Sustainable Livelihoods Programme (SLP) facilitated these funds, benefiting groups from Makueni, Mbooni East, Mbooni West, and Kaiti Sub Counties after training in business planning, budgeting, and entrepreneurship.
Each group will receive a Sh25,000 grant to initiate income-generating projects, specifically targeting unemployed youths aged 18 to 35. Mwikali highlighted the vulnerability of this age group due to limited employment opportunities, which can impact mental health.
“The earmarked funds will be allocated to the groups on December 10, 2025. We consider these youths our future and focus on financial literacy and freedom to help combat poverty and foster self-reliance,” Mwikali stated.
The facilitator mentioned that the youth groups received training last month in their respective areas, equipping them with skills to enhance their businesses. These businesses include retail shops, green groceries, mali mali accessories, fruit vending, salons, kinyozi, cosmetic shops, and cake and d©cor services.
