140 youth from Isiolo have benefitted from a training programme sponsored by Northern Rangelands Trust Trading, which is aimed at making them self-reliant through creating their own jobs.
The three-month training equips the youth with various skills and offers them capital to start a business once they graduate.
The initiative aims to transform youth from marginalized, poor and semi-arid remote areas of the country, with 1150 beneficiaries so far.
Some of the courses they were skilled in are Vessel Repair and Maintenance, Motorcycle Repair and Maintenance, Mobile Phone Repair and Maintenance, Welding, Plumbing, Masonry, Electrical and Solar Installation, Tailoring and Dressmaking, Catering, and Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy.
Northern Rangelands Trust Trading (NRT) CEO Vishal Shah said the programme dubbed “Ujuzi Manyattani” started in 2019.
He said students come from Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia, Baringo, West Pokot, Garissa, and Lamu counties.
In the programme, NRT has partnered with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions such as Kiirua Technical Training Institute, Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College, and the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
“We monitor our graduates and give them a tool kit to start a small business. We have about 98 per cent success. Most of our graduates are earning at least Ksh8,000 per month, which is double the average income for families in arid and semi-arid (ASAL) counties,” he said.
It is estimated that the graduates of Ujuzi Manyattani inject Ksh97 million annually into the local economy through the income earned.
He said the survey further reveals that at least 96 per cent of their graduates are self-employed.
The cost of training per student is about Ksh160,000; encompassing training, graduating and giving out equipment after the training for them to start their own businesses.
He spoke on Tuesday on the sidelines of an event celebrating the achievements of 140 youth from Leparua, Cherab, and Garbatulla Conservancies of Isiolo County. He was accompanied by Tvet PS Esther Muoria, who said that such skills are important in creating employment and transforming the country.
By John Majau
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