NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 1 – Kenya Commercial Bank(KCB) Foundation has signed a Sh 16 million deal with Tharaka Nithi county to provide technical-vocational skills training to youth who will thereafter access funding to create Micro, Small and Medium enterprises over the next two years.
The deal will see the county youth trained in the technical sectors of the Automotive Industry, construction, beauty and personal care and domestic services, through accredited locally based TVETs in the county.
Speaking on the partnership KCB Head of Foundation, Caroline Wanjeri noted that the partnership will be executed under KCB Foundation’s 2jiajiri programme that focuses on youth skills development and job creation through enterprise development, operating across the country.
“KCB Group is dedicated to supporting the youth. A lot of the young businesses were affected by the pandemic, and as responsible corporate citizens, we believe that we have a duty to support them in the revival of our economy,” Wanjeri said.
“Importantly, under the 2jiajiri programme, we not only provide funding to set up the enterprises but also provide business incubation and development services for the beneficiaries to ensure these businesses reach stability and maturity stages” she added.
On his part, Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki noted that the county is keen on generating sustainable decent jobs and income-generating activities for its youth and spurring economic development at a grassroots level.
“I encourage the youth in Tharaka-Nithi to take advantage of this programme, as it is fully sponsored and is a sure path to a brighter future. I am keen to see to it that we have a thriving youth-owned, micro, small, and medium enterprises, where we can even export our expertise, goods and services to other counties in the country” he added.
