Mukurwe-ini Constituency witnessed a significant boost to its youth economy, with 460 young people graduating from the Young Africa Works (YAW) programme, an initiative of the KCB Foundation in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
The graduation ceremony, held at Giathugu Youth Polytechnic, celebrated the achievements of project participants from 15 training institutions across the constituency, including Mukurwe-ini TTI, Kaheti VTC, Thangathi VTC, Gathungururu VTC, and Giathugu VTC. The graduates have completed intensive skills training in various trades designed to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Structured Training for Market Readiness
At the core of the programme is a structured model combining Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with essential life skills. Each training cycle involves six months of classroom learning followed by a three-month industrial attachment, ensuring participants gain hands-on experience aligned with real industry demands.
“Through Young Africa Works, we are equipping young people with market-ready skills that catalyse income generation and job creation. Our national goal is to have 8,500 trained youth support 43,000 jobs, transforming communities from within.” KCB Foundation Director, Mendi Njonjo
Post-Training Support for Sustainability
To ensure a sustainable transition into the economy, the programme provides comprehensive post-training support. Through the KCB Foundation, graduates gain access to:
-Business Development Services (BDS)
-Trade-specific starter toolkits
-Access to start-up and working capital via KCB Bank
This support system is designed to effectively launch graduates into work placements or entrepreneurship.
Community Transformation Through Partnership
The event was graced by Hon. John Kaguchia, MP for Mukurwe-ini Constituency, who praised the collaborative effort. “This partnership is a game-changer. By equipping our youth with dignified work capabilities, we are uplifting not just individuals, but the entire Mukurwe-ini community,” he stated.
The graduation marks the beginning of the cohort’s next phase, which includes further support under the 2Jiajiri initiative for those pursuing entrepreneurship. The YAW programme, now in its fifth year across Kenya, continues to focus on building resilient livelihoods for youth through skills development and enterprise support.