The Ujuzi Mashinani programme has been launched to equip local youth with essential vocational skills, marking a pivotal step towards economic empowerment and community development. The programme, which began enrolling students in April 2024, is a collaborative effort between USAID Nawiri, Samburu East Technical and Vocational College (TVC), and the Samburu East Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The initiative, hosted at the TVET centre in Archers Post, aims to address the skills gap and enhance the livelihoods of Samburu’s youth.
The launch of Ujuzi Mashinani underscores a commitment to transforming the lives of young people in the region. With an initial enrollment of 158 students, each contributing Sh2,000, the programme has garnered substantial financial backing. USAID Nawiri is funding Sh20,000 per student, while the Samburu East CDF is adding Sh3,000, bringing the total fees to Sh3,160,000. This financial support reflects a significant investment in the future of Samburu’s youth, with the programme aiming to recruit a total of 359 students. The estimated total cost for the programme stands at Sh7,040,000.
The initiative is not just about education but also about accessibility and infrastructure. To broaden the reach of vocational training, five satellite centres will be established in addition to the main facility in Archers Post. This expansion is intended to make education more accessible to youth across the region, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from the training offered.
USAID Nawiri’s Chief of Party, Hussein Abdinoor Abdille, emphasized the organisation’s commitment to vocational education. “We are dedicated to providing youth with skills that will transform their lives and strengthen the community,” Abdille stated. This dedication is further reflected in the investment made in start-up tools and resources. USAID Nawiri has allocated Sh5,875,652.22 for equipment and tools necessary for courses in hairdressing, dressmaking, catering, plumbing, masonry, and electrical work. This investment is crucial, given the historical lack of equipment that has hindered vocational education in the region.
Samburu East Member of Parliament, Jackson Lentoijoni, also expressed strong support for the programme. Describing it as a “game-changer,” Lentoijoni highlighted the invaluable support from USAID Nawiri. He emphasized that the initiative would provide the youth with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
The programme is set to commence classes in late September, provided that each course has at least eight students enrolled. This phased approach aims to ensure that the training is both comprehensive and sustainable.
The launch of Ujuzi Mashinani aligns with the Kenyan government’s broader efforts to enhance technical and vocational training across the country. Recognizing the vital role of TVETs in bridging the skills gap, the government is committed to developing a skilled workforce that is not only job-ready but also capable of driving innovation and adaptation in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Recent statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reveal that over three million Kenyans, predominantly youths, are currently jobless. The Ujuzi Mashinani programme represents a proactive approach to addressing this issue, offering a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship for the region’s youth.
In summary, the Ujuzi Mashinani vocational training programme is a landmark initiative with the potential to transform the economic landscape of Samburu. By equipping young people with practical skills and providing necessary resources, the programme not only addresses immediate employment challenges but also contributes to long-term economic development in the region. Through collaboration and investment, the initiative stands as a testament to the power of education in shaping a brighter future for Kenya’s youth.
