Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) has offered scholarships over Sh7.9 million to at least 177 youths in Makueni County to undertake courses in the County Technical Training Institutes (CTTIs) to acquire skills for self-reliance.
The youths are set to undertake a three-month course in different CTTIs to gain skills ranging from carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and cosmetology, electrical and plumbing.
“We have paid tuition fees for each of the youths undertaking various courses in plumbing, carpentry, electrical, cosmetology and masonry courses. SHOFCO has paid Sh45,000 for each student to get training,” said SHOFCO Facilitator Agnes Mwende Mwikali while speaking to Kenya News Agency in Wote town on Friday.
“Job opportunities are limited in the country; we intend to empower the youths to ensure they become self-employed hence avoid dependence on white collar jobs. We intend to increase the number as we move forward,” she added.
Mwikali further said that the students are continuing with the training at Nduluku, Marwa and Makueni CTTIs among others in the county.
During the interview with KNA, Mwikali revealed that their organization was also funding 40 youth groups in the four Sub Counties of Makueni to a tune of Sh1 million as grants for start-up businesses.
The money that was given through the Sustainable Livelihoods Programme (SLP) benefitted groups from Makueni, Mbooni East, Mbooni West and Kaiti Sub Counties after they were trained in developing a business plan, budget and entrepreneurship.
She said that each group will get Sh25,000 as a grant to enable them start the income generating projects saying they targeted youths aged between 18 to 35 years old who are largely unemployed.
“The youths have undergone training in entrepreneurship. We have targeted youths aged between 18-35 years as this is the most productive age, who are more vulnerable due to lack of employment opportunities that can be a risk factor to mental health,” said Mwikali on Friday in Wote town.
“Funds earmarked will be disbursed to the different groups that will benefit on 10th December 2025. They are our future generations so we consider them for financial literacy and freedom as they will help our society to fight poverty and become self-reliant,” she added.
The facilitator disclosed that the different youth groups underwent training last month in their respective areas of jurisdiction where they gained skills that will enhance their businesses since they have been empowered with information and money.
Youths are involved in small businesses like retail shops, green groceries, mali mali accessories, fruit vendors, salon and kinyozi, cosmetic shop and cake and décor among others.
by Patrick Nyakundi
