By Musyoka Kaliti
Forty one youth have graduated from Don Bosco Vocational Centre and the Jeremiah Nyaga Technical Training Institute in Embu County with technical skills under the ‘2Jiajiri’ programme courtesy of the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).
The program, sponsored by KCB Foundation, German Technical Cooperation Agency GIZ and the Embu County government, also provided the graduates with tools to start their own businesses and employ acquired skills.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony held at the University of Embu grounds, Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire lauded the bank for the initiative saying that the training would slay joblessness among the youth.
“The initiative is commendable as it will ensure the youth utilize the skills they have acquired in technical and vocational institutes. We thank KCB for providing the training, business incubation, business mentorship and provision of capital in terms of accessible loans to our youth in the informal sector,” she said.
The Governor said that her government would complement the efforts by the bank’s foundation by sponsoring an equal amount of youth.
The county boss further urged the youth to approach her office to contest for the 30 percent procurement opportunities that her government had set aside for them, women and Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD).
Ms. Esther Waititu from KCB said that the programme had so far benefited 3,500 youth at a cost of Ksh.300 million.
She said that during training, they emphasized to the trainees to equip themselves with skills that would enable them do ‘green jobs’ which prioritize environmental conservation.
“Even as we are empower the youth, we make sure to promote green jobs that help us conserve and protect the environment,” she said.
