KCB Foundation to Invest KSh 50 Million in Training and Employment Opportunities

Youth in Kisii County are set to benefit from a significant investment in technical and vocational skills training, thanks to a new partnership between the KCB Foundation and the Kisii County Government. The partnership aims to equip young people with essential skills and facilitate job creation, with a combined investment of KSh 50 million.

Under this agreement, the KCB Foundation will match the Kisii County Government’s contribution of KSh 25 million in a 1:1 ratio, resulting in a total investment of KSh 50 million dedicated to youth skills development and employment opportunities. This initiative is part of KCB Foundation’s mission to drive economic growth by addressing youth unemployment and supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted vocational training.

KCB Foundation Director Mendi Njonjo highlighted the importance of youth-focused economic development, emphasizing that KCB Group is committed to leveraging small and medium enterprise growth as a means to create jobs and enhance development. She stated, “As KCB Foundation, we are proud of our flagship 2Jiajiri program, which formalizes the informal sector to make it more appealing to youth, thus driving socio-economic development at the county level. We will also offer access to capital, capacity-building, and mentorship through our Business Development arm to support enterprise owners and managers in successfully running their businesses.”

Kisii County Governor Simba Arati has this to say

I am committed to advancing Kisii County’s progress and fulfilling the promises made to my electorate. This partnership not only empowers our youth with technical skills but also enhances the economic prospects of our MSMEs through strategic training and access to capital, ensuring their success.

He further added, “MSMEs play a crucial role at the grassroots level by stimulating the economy, providing employment, and attracting investment. My goal is to empower Kisii County residents and provide them with the competitive edge they need to succeed.”

The training, facilitated under KCB Foundation’s 2Jiajiri program, will target unemployed and out-of-school youth, equipping them with technical skills for the job market. Participants will receive their training at National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) certified institutions, ensuring recognized certifications. Additionally, 2Jiajiri will provide participants with entrepreneurial and financial management training, as well as access to startup capital, working capital, and asset financing to help them establish and grow their businesses.

The Kisii County Government will play a vital role by offering industrial attachments, on-the-job internships, and by fostering employment opportunities through partnerships with both public and private sectors, helping trained youth transition seamlessly into the workforce.

Established in 2007, KCB Foundation serves as the Corporate Social Investment arm of KCB Bank Group. The Foundation is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and alleviating poverty through strategic partnerships and various programs, including the 2Jiajiri initiative, the Education program, and Sustainable Agriculture initiatives, all aimed at enhancing the well-being of communities across Kenya.