More than 100 youth from underserved communities in Isiolo County have been offered a transformative opportunity through the newly launched ‘Wezesha Vijana Mashinani’ initiative, a community-based vocational training programme.
The programme, launched at Kambi Turkana in Burat Ward, aims to equip vulnerable youth, including persons with disabilities and young mothers, with practical, hands-on skills to help them build sustainable and dignified livelihoods.
Irene Wairimu, the Youth and Entrepreneurship Lead at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a key partner in the initiative, highlighted its potential to bridge a critical skills gap in the region.
“In counties like Isiolo, access to formal vocational training is often limited. By bringing the training directly into the community, TVET Mashinani ensures that no young person is left behind,” said Wairimu. “This initiative is designed to provide marketable skills to all youth, regardless of gender or ability.”
The selection of the first cohort of 115 beneficiaries was based on need and community recommendations. They will receive training in high-demand fields such as mobile phone repair, motorbike mechanics, baking and pastry, and plumbing.
The programme is a collaborative effort between several organizations, including CRS, Safaricom Foundation, Caritas Isiolo, the County Government of Isiolo, and local training institutions like Uhuru Polytechnic and Nyeri National Polytechnic.
Nicholas Wechuli, a Programme Manager with Safaricom Foundation, emphasized the programme’s national scale and long-term vision. “Since starting in 2023, we have sponsored hundreds of youths across several counties. Our goal is to empower at least 2,400 young people by the end of this project, using a sustainable model that leverages local institutions,” he stated.
For the beneficiaries, the programme represents hope and a practical path to self-reliance. Love Muthoni, a scholarship recipient training in mobile phone repair, is breaking gender stereotypes.
“People often say phone repair is a man’s job, but I believe I will do it even better,” Muthoni shared confidently. “This training has given me the skills and confidence to start my own business and, eventually, mentor others in my community.”
The launch event concluded with a strong sense of optimism. The ‘Wezesha Vijana Mashinani’ programme is more than just skills training; it is a vital pathway to economic independence and a testament to the power of community-focused partnerships in tackling youth unemployment in marginalized regions
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