Kericho county government has launched Wezesha Jamii youth empowerment initiative aimed at connecting the youth in technical vocational training institutions (TVETs) to opportunities by empowering them with proven practical solutions for formal and self-employment.
The program, a partnership between the Council of governors and Godrej Group of Companies will be rolled out nationwide as part of the National Government competence based education for vocational training centers.
Speaking during the launch of the program at Chebigen Vocational Training centre on Thursday, Kericho governor, Prof. Paul Chepkwony commended Godrej for supporting efforts to expand and equip hairdressing and beauty programmes.
“We are very excited about the partnership as it will fulfil our objective of empowering lives of the county youth,” said Prof. Chepkwony.
Godrej CEO, Garav Kaushal said the company recognized that vocational training enabled sustainable enterprise development in Kenya.
“Through hairdressing and beauty therapy training, we hope that youth would be empowered to identify and seize emerging opportunities that can help Kenya sustain its productivity. They will also be provided with financial literacy, communication and business skills to enable them to be entrepreneurs,” said Kaushal.
The Wezesha youth program will be implemented in 21 other selected counties.
During the event, the governor handed over a cheque of Sh.2.25 million to the institution being tuition fees for each student enrolled for hairdressing and beauty therapy courses.
He also signed an MOU for a five year partnership with Godrej group of companies.
In attendance during the launch were representatives from county governments of Nyamira, Homa Bay, Kilifi, Narok and Migori.
Godrej Group of Companies is a leading emerging markets company dealing with cosmetics and darling hair products.
By Sarah Njagi
