This archive report was first published on 10 July 2021.
July 10, 2021 - Murang'a County has seen a significant increase in youth empowerment through the Ufundi Kwa Vijana programme, which offers short courses in various trades.
Henry Manyeki, a 29-year-old graduate of the programme, is one of the many success stories. He dropped out of school at Standard Eight but went on to pursue a carpentry course at Gaitega Polytechnic in 2017.
After completing the course, Manyeki teamed up with Jesse Mwangi and opened a carpentry workshop in Kiharu estate, Murang'a town. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the partners went separate ways, and Manyeki opened another workshop, which has become a household name in the estate.
Manyeki's success story is not an isolated case. The Ufundi Kwa Vijana programme has impacted the lives of hundreds of youth who had dropped out of school and lacked certification in various trades.
According to Governor Mwangi wa Iria, the programme has improved the living standards of hundreds of youth, especially those interested in construction and beauty. The county government has spent millions of shillings to pay instructors and equip the learning centres.
The programme has also rescued hundreds of youth from alcoholism, substance abuse, and petty crime. Gaitega Polytechnic Manager Martha Njeri noted that some learners have furthered their education to the level of being registered as instructors.
