By L, KNA
Nandi County Government has partnered with KCB Foundation to train the second cohort of beneficiaries under the 2Jiajiri program, with a strong focus on business development support.
The initiative is designed to equip young people with the skills needed to start, manage, and grow sustainable businesses after completing courses in various Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) across the county.
The 2Jiajiri program, which was rolled out in Nandi in 2023, trained the first cohort of 250 youth drawn from different VTCs.
These beneficiaries received technical training in areas such as agribusiness, construction, beauty, mechanics, and ICT.
Many have since established small businesses or secured employment, demonstrating the impact of linking vocational training with entrepreneurship support.
Speaking during the event, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports and Youth Affairs Rose Angira underscored the importance of empowering young people with both technical know-how and business acumen to foster self-reliance and drive Nandi’s economic growth.
She affirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting youth initiatives that address unemployment while boosting local entrepreneurship.
Angira further announced that the county government will complement the training by expanding and equipping more VTCs, offering continuous mentorship, linking graduates with financial institutions, and creating a friendly environment for start-ups to thrive.
“Our goal is to ensure that young people who go through this program are not only skilled but are also able to access opportunities, capital, and markets to succeed in their enterprises,” she said.
On their part, KCB Foundation representatives reiterated their dedication to complementing county efforts through financial literacy, mentorship, and business guidance.
They noted that these efforts will help 2Jiajiri graduates transition from training to entrepreneurship, ensuring they can successfully run and expand their enterprises.
Director of Youth Affairs Caro Kilach highlighted that the program strategically bridges the gap between skills acquisition at VTCs and real-world business implementation, creating a pipeline of innovative, job-creating entrepreneurs.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the program, noting that the business development training is already transforming their outlook.
“I have learned how to structure a business plan and manage my finances better. With this knowledge, I feel ready to start my own carpentry workshop and even employ other young people in my community,” said Brian Kiprop, a trainee from Tinderet VTC.
His sentiments were echoed by Mary Jepchirchir, a tailoring trainee from Kapsabet VTC, who said the training had given her the confidence to think beyond self-employment.
“Before this program, I only wanted to open a small tailoring shop. Now I know how to grow it into a fashion business that can supply uniforms to schools and employ other women. This training has opened my eyes to bigger opportunities,” she said.
By combining technical skills with enterprise development support, the 2Jiajiri program is expected to significantly boost youth empowerment in Nandi, opening doors to sustainable livelihoods and strengthening the county’s socio-economic development.