The KCB Foundation, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has celebrated the graduation of 460 youth under the Young Africa Works programme in Mukurwe-ini Constituency. The event took place at Giathugu Youth Polytechnic and included trainees from Mukurwe-ini TTI, Kaheti VTC, Thangathi VTC, Gathungururu VTC, and Giathugu VTC.
The graduating cohort was trained across various trades with a focus on practical skills that can help young people secure employment or start income-generating businesses.
KCB Foundation Director, Mendi Njonjo, said the programme is helping unlock economic potential among the youth. She noted that 8,500 young people are currently being trained nationwide, contributing toward the creation of 43,000 jobs in Kenya.
For five years, the two foundations have jointly implemented the Young Africa Works programme with the aim of creating sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable youth. The initiative supports technical and business training, workplace readiness, and enterprise development.
The guest speaker, Mukurwe-ini MP Hon. John Kaguchia, commended the initiative for its impact on the region. He said the programme is equipping young people with the skills needed to access decent work and change their economic prospects.
The programme follows a structured skilling model that includes six months of classroom learning and three months of industrial attachment. The approach is designed to equip participants with market-aligned skills and increase their competitiveness in the labour market.
Participants also receive business development support, tools for their trades, and access to capital through KCB Bank to help them launch or expand small businesses.
With their graduation, the 460 youth will now transition into employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, or further training under the 2Jiajiri initiative.
