The KCB Foundation, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under the 2Jiajiri Program, has joined forces with the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) Wundanyi Constituency to empower young people in Taita Taveta County with technical and vocational skills aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The initiative was officially launched today in Wundanyi by the area Member of Parliament, Hon. Danson Mwashako Mwakuwona, marking a significant milestone in efforts to combat youth unemployment and drive inclusive economic growth in the region.
Under the new partnership, an initial cohort of 96 young people drawn from Wundanyi Constituency has been enrolled in market-driven technical and vocational training. The training will be delivered through three key partner institutions:
- Wumingu Technical and Vocational College
- Taita Taveta National Polytechnic
- Mwagafwa Vocational Training Center
The programs will focus on demand-driven courses designed to equip trainees with practical skills that align with current market needs, helping them transition into formal employment or establish successful small businesses.
Speaking during the commissioning, KCB Foundation Director Mendi Njonjo emphasized the organization’s dedication to creating sustainable employment opportunities and nurturing entrepreneurship among Kenyan youth.
“Today, we are once again demonstrating our dedication to nurturing talent and creating opportunities,” said Ms. Njonjo.
“The 96 trainees here will join the larger pool of KCB Foundation program participants who have been trained, equipped with technical skills, and prepared for entrepreneurial success.”
The partnership forms part of the 2Jiajiri Program, a flagship initiative by the KCB Foundation designed to drive shared prosperity and job creation by equipping young people and women with skills, resources, and opportunities that enable them to thrive in Kenya’s evolving economy.
Since its inception, the 2Jiajiri Program has supported thousands of youth and women across Kenya by:
- Offering vocational training scholarships to enhance employability
- Supporting small and growing businesses (SGBs) to drive local innovation
- Providing access to startup capital and financial support
- Delivering mentorship and business incubation programs
By integrating technical training with entrepreneurship support, the program empowers young Kenyans to become job creators rather than job seekers, thereby contributing to long-term economic resilience.
Wundanyi MP Hon. Danson Mwashako Mwakuwona lauded the partnership as a “game-changer” for the constituency, highlighting its role in addressing local unemployment and stimulating economic growth.
“This partnership between KCB Foundation, Mastercard Foundation, and NG-CDF is a game-changer for Wundanyi,” said Hon. Mwakuwona.
“It offers our young people the chance to acquire practical skills, transition into employment, and build businesses that will uplift our local economy.”
The collaboration underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling systemic challenges such as youth unemployment and underemployment, especially in rural areas like Taita Taveta.
According to recent labor market data, Kenya faces a youth unemployment rate of over 13%, with thousands of young people entering the job market each year without adequate skills. The KCB-Mastercard-NG-CDF partnership seeks to bridge this gap by aligning training with market demands and preparing youth for self-employment opportunities in key sectors.
Through the program, trainees will also receive:
- Life skills coaching to build confidence and adaptability
- Entrepreneurship training to enable business creation
- Financial literacy education to strengthen money management and sustainability
This holistic approach ensures that young people are not only equipped with technical know-how but also the tools to start, manage, and grow small enterprises.
The collaboration demonstrates the transformative power of partnerships between financial institutions, development organizations, and government agencies in addressing Kenya’s employment challenges. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, the initiative will create pathways to dignified work and improve livelihoods for youth in Taita Taveta and beyond.
With over 24 million households across Kenya relying on young people as primary breadwinners, such programs have the potential to stimulate rural economies, reduce poverty levels, and unlock local innovation.
The launch of this youth empowerment initiative in Taita Taveta marks a significant step toward bridging Kenya’s skills gap, reducing unemployment, and driving inclusive growth. By combining the resources of the KCB Foundation, the Mastercard Foundation, and NG-CDF, the program is empowering youth to create sustainable livelihoods, transforming communities, and shaping Kenya’s future workforce.
As the first cohort begins training, the initiative is expected to serve as a model for scaling similar programs across other counties, unlocking opportunities for thousands of young Kenyans.
