NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 12 – USAID, Family Bank, and World Vision have pledged to bolster the training of young women in the construction sector under their flagship project Tumikia mtoto.
The program, which has trained over 700 women so far, focusses on equipping young girls in Nairobi and Kiambu counties with skills in plumbing, painting, and building.
Speaking at the graduation event of 78 women, State Department of Labour and Social Protection Principal Secretary Joseph Mutari praised the initiative, emphasising its role in creating employment opportunities for young Kenyans.
He revealed that the government has already certified graduates from vocational training institutes, which, he said, gives them an advantage in securing job opportunities both locally and internationally.
“This program is not only providing young women with hands-on skills but also boosting their competitiveness in the job market,” Mutari said.
Family Bank Managing Director Nancy Njau expressed optimism about the impact of the Tumikia Mtoto program, which is now in its fourth cohort.
She highlighted the importance of offering young women competitive opportunities in the construction industry, an area traditionally dominated by men.
“The skills and certifications these women have gained place them on equal footing with their male counterparts, giving them a real chance to contribute to nation-building,” Njau noted.
She added that the program is a crucial platform for the economic development of young women, which in turn will help drive Kenya’s overall economic growth.
USAID representative Bradley Cronk echoed these sentiments, stating that the program plays a vital role in challenging gender stereotypes within the construction sector.
“By debunking these stereotypes, we are opening up new avenues for women to excel in areas previously considered off-limits,” Cronk said.
