Skills for Jobs

Facts

Region: Western, Coast, Central Kenya

Period: 2018 - 2022

Donors: atDta Foundation, Christian Martin Foundation,  Mariano Foundation, Tarom Foundation,  associations and individuals  

Context

SMEs have been facing unprecedented income losses and uncertainties about their future because of business disruptions due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Most SMEs do not have financial reserves to meet expenses during emergencies. It also emerged that many Kenyans do not make savings with only 39% of Kenyans have set aside funds to manage emergencies that arise from loss of income. Deepening income inequality and entrenched regional disparities hinder inclusive economic growth. Youth unemployment rate in Kenya avrages at 35%. Poor women and youth lack skills and access to capital and markets to grow a business and create jobs.  

Project aim

Violence-affected and low-skilled women and young people  are enabled to grow their existing small businesses, raise their income, build a livelihood for themselves and their families, and create employment opportunities for others.  

Strategy

The project provides women and young people with the business skills, networks, capital and self-confidence they need to run sustainable, income-earning businesses.

The project overall objective is improving employment and economic opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable youth in Kisumu, Siaya and Bungoma County. It seeks to achieve this objective through collaboration with both the public and private sectors.

The project's specific focus is on providing employability skills and support to access internship and job opportunities for 1,900 vulnerable and marginalized youth. To accomplish this, the project will utilize Basic Skills Training, which will be conducted in seven vocational training centers.

By offering vocational/technical skills training, the project aims to equip youth with the necessary skills and competencies required for employment. These skills may include technical skills relevant to specific industries, as well as soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

Additionally, the project intends to facilitate access to internship and job opportunities for the trained youth. This could involve establishing partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and employers to create pathways for youth to gain practical experience and secure employment. The project may provide support in terms of job placement services, networking opportunities, and career guidance to help the youth navigate the job market successfully.

Through this project, marginalized and vulnerable youth in the three Counties will have improved access to training, skill development, and employment opportunities. By enhancing their employability, the project seeks to empower youth to overcome barriers and achieve economic independence, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and the socio-economic development of the region.

Achievements in 2017

• 262 women and youth attended trainings and coaching sessions at which they learned about business and financial management, marketing, and communication. 

• 38 small enterprises, farms and production sites received loans for business expansion.  

• 95% business loan repayment rate. 

• 32 stable new full-time jobs were created.  

• 85% of women report more effective  financial management within business and at home. 

• Women business owners and employees report increased joint financial decision-making at household level.