Mombasa Empowers Youth Through Sh40 Million Skills Development Initiative
Mombasa is launching a significant initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment by equipping young people with essential vocational skills and formal certification. The “Tujiajiri Programme,” a collaborative effort between the Mombasa County Government and the KCB Foundation, has allocated Sh40 million to train 736 beneficiaries in various trades. This program seeks to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and the practical skills demanded by the modern job market, enabling young people to secure meaningful employment both domestically and internationally.
Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya, Elimu Scheme CEO Jamal Ali, and KCBMvita branch manager Anthony Tumuti at Laohana Hall in Mombasa on Thursday.
The Tujiajiri Programme offers free vocational training at accredited institutes and colleges across Mombasa. The county government and KCB Foundation have each contributed Sh20 million to fund this ambitious project. While the county has already committed its share and seen learners enter classrooms, the recent launch signifies the KCB Foundation’s fulfillment of its pledge.
Addressing the Skills Gap in Mombasa’s Job Market
Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya highlighted the pervasive issue of youth unemployment stemming from a lack of job-ready skills. “The biggest problem in Mombasa today is that many youths have completed school but lack the skills required in the job market,” he stated. Thoya emphasized that even for trades like plumbing, formal certification is often a prerequisite for employment in reputable companies, regardless of an individual’s practical expertise. The Tujiajiri Programme aims to rectify this by not only imparting skills but also providing the necessary accreditation to enhance employability.
Mombasa County Education Executive Mbwarali Kame and Deputy Governor Francis Thoya at Laohana Hall in Mombasa on Thursday.
Personal Journeys of Empowerment
The impact of the Tujiajiri Programme is evident in the success stories of its beneficiaries. Fred Oduor, who is undergoing training as a mechanic at St Mulumba Technical Vocational College in Mikidani, Jomvu sub-county, credits the program with steering him away from a potentially negative path. “I was idle at home and sometimes bad thoughts came in. But when I saw the Mombasa county government and KCB Foundation sponsorship programme, I applied and by God’s grace I was selected,” he shared. Oduor, whose lifelong passion was mechanics, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to pursue his dreams, stating, “Now I do not sit idle in the streets. The skills I acquire will help me in life. I am no longer a beggar.” He urged other young people to prioritize skill acquisition, asserting, “At the end of the day, skills are the only thing you get in life that will never leave you. The moment you have skills, you are rich. When you don’t have skills, you are poor.”
Similarly, Hafsa Breik, a graphic design student at Ujuzi Institute of Career Development, is motivated by the scholarship to become the top graphic designer in the country. She believes the program offers a vital lifeline to individuals who may have become disillusioned due to financial constraints or other life challenges.
Fred Oduor demonstrates the skills he has acquired through the Tujiajiri Programme to Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya at Lohana Hall in Mombasa on Thursday.
Program Expansion and Future Outlook
The Tujiajiri Programme is slated for significant expansion in the next fiscal year, with plans to accommodate an additional 1,500 youths. This expansion will be supported by increased investment in vocational institutions to ensure broader reach and impact.
Mombasa County Education Executive Mbwarali Kame explained that the Elimu Scheme plays a crucial role in providing official certification for individuals who already possess skills but lack formal documentation. The primary target demographic for the Tujiajiri Programme consists of individuals who have completed their Form 4 or Class 8 education but were unable to pursue higher education. The program has engaged all vocational colleges in Mombasa, including private institutions, to facilitate training across all six sub-counties.
KCB Mvita Branch Manager Anthony Tumuti highlighted KCB Foundation’s commitment to “retooling, reskilling, and upgrading” the youth of Mombasa, noting that the Tujiajiri Programme, initiated nationally in 2016, has already benefited 10,000 youths.
Elimu Scheme CEO Jamal Ali underscored the significance of this partnership in fostering economic growth within Mombasa. He noted the high demand for the program, with over 2,000 applicants vying for the 736 available slots. This overwhelming response underscores the critical need for such initiatives in empowering Mombasa’s youth.
Key Pillars of the Tujiajiri Programme:
- Target Beneficiaries: Youth who have completed Form 4 or Class 8 but lack opportunities for further education.
- Training Scope: Covers a wide range of vocational trades, including mechanics, graphic design, and plumbing.
- Delivery Method: Free vocational training at identified institutes and colleges across Mombasa.
- Funding: A joint Sh40 million investment from the Mombasa County Government and KCB Foundation.
- Objectives:
- Equip youth with practical, in-demand skills.
- Provide formal certification to enhance employability.
- Reduce youth unemployment and idleness.
- Contribute to the economic development of Mombasa.
- Future Plans: Expansion to include 1,500 additional youths in the upcoming fiscal year.
The Tujiajiri Programme represents a comprehensive strategy to address youth unemployment by investing in their skills and future, fostering a more skilled and economically empowered generation in Mombasa.
