This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
Godrej Kenya's Wezesha Youth program is making significant strides in empowering Kenyan youth with vocational skills. The program, a partnership between the Council of Governors and Godrej Kenya, is currently being rolled out nationwide as part of the National Government's competence-based education for vocational training centers.
As of 2019, the program is on course to train over 20,000 youth in hairdressing and beauty therapy, with two new centers expected to open in Kitui County by the end of the year. The centers will be based in Mutomo Vocational Training Centre and Mwingi Baptist Vocational Training Centre.
According to Godrej Kenya's Corporate Responsibility Manager, Mr. Charles Mugendi, the company seeks to grow sustainable local small and medium enterprises while supporting the reduction in unemployment among youth. 'Through the hairdressing and beauty therapy training, we are empowering youth to identify and seize emerging opportunities that can help Kenya sustain its productivity,' said Mr. Mugendi.
The Wezesha Youth program has undergone significant redesign since its pilot phase, which trained 1,000 youths in vocational training centers in Nairobi, Kitui, Trans Nzoia, Migori, Machakos, Kisii, and Uasin Gishu counties. The program's next phase will target 20,000 youth in 22 counties, with ultra-modern designed training labs established to facilitate delivery of quality training.
