KCB Foundation and the Nandi County Government are strengthening efforts to address youth unemployment through market-driven technical training, enterprise development and improved access to employment opportunities, following the graduation of the second cohort of young people under the Foundation’s 2Jiajiri Programme.
The graduates, who have completed vocational training in various trades, are expected to transition into employment and entrepreneurship, supported by a programme that extends beyond skills development to include business development services, access to financing, mentorship and market linkages.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony held at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex, KCB Foundation Head of Programmes Joblin Omari said: “Skills development must go hand in hand with job creation. Training provides the foundation, but its true value is realized when a graduate secures employment, establishes a sustainable business or creates opportunities for others. This is why our approach goes beyond the classroom to address the barriers that prevent skilled young people from participating fully in the economy.”
The partnership comes at a critical time for Nandi County, where the working-age population is projected to reach 647,981 by 2027, according to county projections. The growing population underscores the importance of investing in practical, market-relevant skills that respond to labour market needs while supporting enterprise growth.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said the collaboration with KCB Foundation provides an opportunity to strengthen the county’s human capital development agenda by preparing young people for employment and self-employment.
“We must equip our young people with practical, market-relevant skills that enable them to secure employment, start businesses and create jobs for others. Our partnership with KCB Foundation through 2Jiajiri is an important step towards building a skilled and economically empowered generation,” said Governor Sang.
The graduation marks the second cohort to complete training under the 2Jiajiri Programme in Nandi County, with a third cohort currently undergoing training, ensuring continuity in the development of a skilled workforce.
Established in 2016, KCB Foundation’s 2Jiajiri Programme seeks to tackle youth unemployment by supporting young people to acquire vocational and technical skills, establish sustainable enterprises and access opportunities within the job market.
To date, the programme has supported the creation of more than 150,555 jobs, trained 35,195 young people and supported 10,954 youth-owned businesses through business development services. It has also facilitated more than USD 2 million in start-up loans and provided 2,225 toolkits to help graduates establish or expand their enterprises.
Through its partnership with county governments, training institutions and industry players, the Foundation continues to strengthen pathways that connect skills development to productive employment, enterprise growth and sustainable livelihoods.
