In a significant push to enhance employability and entrepreneurship, over 600 youth from the Coast region are set to benefit from an intensive two-day training focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) career tools and essential soft skills. The initiative, designed to prepare participants for the modern job market, underscores the growing integration of digital literacy into Kenya’s skills development agenda.
BrighterMonday, Kenya, Senior Specialist Strategy, Geraldine Chepchirchir
The career clinic and entrepreneurship summit, hosted by Brighter Monday Kenya, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under the GenerationKazi Programme, is themed “Empowering Women in Tourism: Creating Pathways to Dignified Work.” The event brings together women, youth, industry leaders, county officials, and development partners to strengthen workforce readiness and entrepreneurial ecosystems on the Coast.
Bridging Skills with Opportunities
Geraldine Chepchirchir, Senior Specialist Strategy at BrighterMonday Kenya, emphasised the programme’s dual focus: equipping young people with relevant skills while connecting employers to a ready pool of talent.
“We are up-skilling and reskilling young people between the ages of 18 and 35 with soft skills, employability training, and entrepreneurship—particularly for those who want to start and run businesses,” Chepchirchir explained.
So far, the partnership has impacted over 210,000 youth with job-market skills, with 30,000 having secured employment opportunities. For those inclined toward entrepreneurship, the programme offers tailored mentorship and coaching to ensure access to dignified and fulfilling work.
“We urge women and Persons Living with Disabilities not to shy away from these opportunities,” Chepchirchir added.
AI-Powered Job Centres to Launch
In an innovative move to sustain these efforts, BrighterMonday, in collaboration with Ajira Digital and Swahilipot Hub, will establish a Job Centre in Mombasa. Similar centres are planned for Eldoret, Machakos, and Kakamega. These hubs will act as bridges between employers and job seekers, offering services such as:
– CV reviews powered by AI tools to optimise resumes for modern hiring systems.
– Interview preparation and mock sessions.
– Ongoing mentorship and career guidance.
“The AI career tool can make your CV 80% more employer-friendly,” noted Chepchirchir, highlighting the blend of technology and human support designed to boost hireability.
Values and Integrity in the Workplace
Speaking at the summit, Swahilipot Chief Mentor Mahmoud Noor stressed the importance of ethics and integrity in sustaining employment. He pointed out that employers increasingly value honesty and reliability, urging parents and mentors to instil strong values in young people.
“The best way to instil values is for you to be a good example,” Noor advised, linking character development to long-term career success.
He also announced an upcoming mentorship project with the Mastercard Foundation targeting 30,000 youth from Mombasa, Kilifi, Nairobi, and Kitui counties, aimed at fostering positive mindsets and professional ethics.
What This Means for TVET and Skills Development
This initiative aligns closely with Kenya’s broader push for a skilled, adaptable workforce. While traditional TVET programs deliver technical know-how, the integration of AI literacy, soft skills, and ethical training addresses critical gaps in holistic employability.
For graduates of technical colleges, these complementary skills can be the differentiator—enabling them to not only perform technical tasks but also communicate effectively, adapt to digital tools, and uphold workplace integrity.
A Call to Action for Vocational Trainees
The message from Mombasa is clear: the job market is evolving, and so must the job seeker. Vocational students and graduates are encouraged to:
1. Embrace digital tools: Familiarise yourself with AI and online career platforms.
2. Hone soft skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving remain in high demand.
3. Explore entrepreneurship: Consider business as a viable pathway, supported by available training and mentorship.
4. Uphold integrity: Build a reputation for reliability and ethics.
As Kenya advances under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), partnerships like these ensure that youth—especially from regions like the Coast—are not left behind but are instead equipped to lead in a dynamic, technology-driven economy.