The Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) has collaborated with the County Government of Homa Bay to sponsor 600 youth to undertake technical courses.
Governor Gladys Wanga said the initiative will go a long way in creating jobs for the youth.
Speaking Friday, when she launched the programme at Sero Technical and Vocational Training Institute, the governor said 24 million shillings had been allocated for the programme.
The initiative is dubbed the KCB Fundi Mang’ula Scholarship programme.
Governor Wanga, who was accompanied by the KCB Head of Programme, Joblin Omari, said the beneficiaries will start reporting to various institutions next month.
The students will later go on a three-month industrial attachment at firms of their choice.
“The programme is meant to resolve the problem of unemployment for the youth. Technical skills are in high demand, and that is what we want our youths to have.” The governor said.
She said some of the courses they expect to undertake include masonry, plumbing, carpentry, food and beverage, fashion, and design, among others.
Governor Wanga said students who will excel in their fields of study will be given tools to start their own industries.
Ms. Wanga was accompanied by her Deputy Oyugi Magwanga, and County Assembly Speaker Julias Gaya.
She added that the beneficiaries were selected through a competitive process that involved a team from KCB and county government staff.
Ms. Wanga told the beneficiaries that they were ultimately expected to be job creators.
“We are investing in the future of our county, and beneficiaries have no choice but to study hard. The bank and tax payers sacrificed to ensure you get the skills.” She said.
She told beneficiaries to put all their energy into the programme. Mr. Omari said KCB gave out Sh12 million to support the programme.
He said it will help in improving the region’s economy as the beneficiaries will be able to create jobs for themselves and for others.
“The beneficiaries will be trained on how to start and manage businesses,” he said.
Mr. Omari added that the scholarship will also encourage investors to put their money in Homa Bay.
Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga told students to uphold high standards of discipline.
He said technical courses will address cases of youth unemployment.
Magwanga said that the government was committed to equipping technical training institutes and hiring staff.
“It is our duty to ensure we provide a better environment for students in technical training institutions,” he said.
By Davis
