The KCB Foundation has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at empowering Kenyan youth through technical skills and business development training, focusing on the Webuye East and Mwingi North constituencies. This is part of the Foundation’s celebrated 2jiajiri program, which has been instrumental in offering skills training and financial support to unemployed and out-of-school youth across Kenya. By entering into a strategic partnership with these constituencies, KCB Foundation is set to invest KShs. 4.9 million, matched 1:1 by the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) from both constituencies, culminating in a significant KShs. 9.8 million dedicated to youth empowerment.
This article examines the details of the new partnership, the benefits it offers to Kenyan youth, and the potential impact of the 2jiajiri initiative on Kenya’s economy and social landscape.
The Partnership and Its Objectives
The agreement between the KCB Foundation and the Webuye East and Mwingi North constituencies marks a notable commitment to tackling youth unemployment at a local level. Over 150 young people from these areas will have the chance to develop technical skills, gain entrepreneurial knowledge, and access resources to start businesses in sectors with strong growth potential.
The 2jiajiri initiative has been a vital aspect of KCB Foundation’s strategy for youth empowerment since its inception in 2016. This program supports young Kenyans in building self-sustaining livelihoods by equipping them with technical training and business management skills while facilitating access to capital and toolkits for their ventures. With the new partnership, the program is expected to create opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship in key sectors that drive Kenya’s economy.
KCB Foundation’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
In a statement at the signing event, KCB Foundation Director Mendi Njonjo explained the initiative’s broader vision:
“By working in partnership with the local government, we ensure that we support deserving youth and institutions within our constituencies. This is our approach to nurturing the growth of MSMEs at the grassroots level by providing technical training, access to capital, toolkit provision, and business management support from KCB’s micro bankers.”
This partnership aligns with KCB’s ongoing mission to foster inclusive economic growth and sustainability across the country. Through 2jiajiri, KCB Foundation has empowered over 29,000 youth to date, helping to alleviate poverty by creating opportunities for income generation and community development.
Addressing Youth Unemployment in Kenya
Kenya’s youth unemployment rate remains a pressing issue, with approximately 39% of young people either unemployed or underemployed. Many youth lack access to higher education or formal employment opportunities, underscoring the critical need for programs like 2jiajiri. Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi emphasized the program’s potential impact on the constituency:
“Our goal is to tackle the issue of youth unemployment and provide them opportunities that will enable them to provide for their livelihoods. I am particularly happy that both the youth and our MSMEs can now achieve their growth ambitions.”
Similarly, Mwingi North MP Paul Musyimi highlighted the vital role of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in driving economic growth:
“At the grassroots level, the role of MSMEs cannot be overlooked, because they spur the economy, provide jobs for our people, and attract investment. This is why I am happy that we have introduced 2jiajiri to ensure we empower our people and give this constituency the competitive advantage necessary to thrive.”
Scope of Training and Key Sectors
Under the 2jiajiri program, youth from Webuye East and Mwingi North will receive training in several high-potential fields, including:
- Building and Construction
- Manufacturing
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Electrical Installation
- Catering and Hospitality
- Automotive Engineering
- Domestic Services
- Sustainable Agribusiness
- Beauty and Personal Care
- ICT and Creative Arts
Each participant will undergo classroom training for 3-6 months, culminating in an assessment by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), which awards a Grade 3 certification. Following certification, trainees will be linked to job opportunities, internships, or business development support through the county’s labor-based programs, a critical step in helping them transition from training to employment.
The KCB Foundation’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its decision to offer Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) financing to select schools within Webuye East and Mwingi North. This initiative supports a nationwide push towards sustainable energy practices, reducing reliance on traditional fuels and promoting the use of cleaner energy. By facilitating LPG adoption in schools, KCB is championing environmental sustainability while also reducing the operational costs associated with conventional cooking methods.
Since launching in 2016, the 2jiajiri initiative has shown impressive results. To date, 29,712 youth have benefited from skills training, and 9,708 businesses have been incubated under the program. The initiative has disbursed loans worth KShs. 267 million, and over 1,600 startup toolkits have been issued to young entrepreneurs across Kenya.
The program also boasts a relatively balanced gender ratio, with female beneficiaries representing approximately 41% (11,845) and male beneficiaries making up 59% (17,045). This focus on inclusivity is essential, as it ensures that both young men and women have equal access to training, financial resources, and business support.
The MSME sector is crucial to Kenya’s economy, contributing approximately 33% to the country’s GDP and employing about 80% of the workforce. Yet, many MSMEs struggle with challenges such as limited access to finance, a lack of technical skills, and inadequate business management knowledge. The 2jiajiri program directly addresses these issues by offering tailored training and support, thereby strengthening the MSME ecosystem.
Moreover, by empowering young entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses, KCB Foundation is helping to bridge the skills gap in sectors like construction, ICT, and agribusiness. These sectors not only provide essential services to local communities but also offer considerable potential for job creation and economic growth.
A unique aspect of the 2jiajiri initiative is its focus on financial inclusion. Young entrepreneurs often face difficulty accessing loans due to limited credit history or lack of collateral. Through 2jiajiri, beneficiaries can access affordable credit, helping them to start or expand their businesses without the high financial barriers traditionally associated with business loans.
The program also provides beneficiaries with toolkits to set up their businesses, an essential step that reduces startup costs and allows young entrepreneurs to focus on growing their enterprises. By working closely with KCB micro bankers, beneficiaries gain valuable insights into financial management, budgeting, and savings, promoting long-term business sustainability.
KCB Foundation’s 2jiajiri initiative aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals, which emphasize social and economic development, job creation, and poverty reduction. By equipping young people with marketable skills, the program supports the government’s broader goals of reducing unemployment and driving economic growth.
Additionally, the program’s focus on sectors like ICT, manufacturing, and agribusiness reflects Kenya’s strategic priorities for industrialization and digital transformation. As beneficiaries establish businesses in these sectors, they contribute to a more diversified economy, helping Kenya move closer to its Vision 2030 objectives.
As the 2jiajiri program continues to expand, its impact on youth employment, financial inclusion, and MSME development is expected to grow. With each new partnership, the program reaches more young people, providing them with the skills and resources necessary to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
The success of the program in Webuye East and Mwingi North could set a precedent for other constituencies to adopt similar models, especially those where youth unemployment rates are high. By scaling up such initiatives, KCB Foundation and its partners could drive meaningful change across the country, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and strengthens Kenya’s economy.
KCB Foundation’s partnership with Webuye East and Mwingi North constituencies under the 2jiajiri initiative represents a vital step towards empowering Kenyan youth through skills training, business development, and financial inclusion. By investing in young people and supporting MSME growth, the program is helping to address Kenya’s youth unemployment crisis while promoting sustainable economic development.
As the 2jiajiri program continues to evolve, its potential impact on Kenya’s economy and social fabric becomes increasingly apparent. By fostering a generation of skilled, confident, and financially empowered youth, KCB Foundation is helping to build a brighter, more prosperous future for Kenya—one where young people are equipped to thrive and drive the country’s growth.
