The Nakuru County Government in partnership with Daraja 360, on Tuesday conducted interviews for its Textile Hub program for the third cohorts at the Nakuru County Empowerment Center in Bondeni Estate.
Daraja 360 is a Community Based Organization (CBO) that empowers vulnerable families, youths and children to lead decent and sustainable lives.
The interviews, held for fifty candidates, were overseen by a panel led by Ms. Regina Kamoche, the organisation’s director, and it was focusing on assessing candidates based on their backgrounds, with an emphasis on financial need, relevant skills, commitment and passion. The program is particularly aimed at individuals with lower than KCSE level of education.
Ms. Kamoche noted that by focusing on the youth, Daraja 360 contributes to sustainable development, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with skills of handling future challenges and drive the economic progress in the county.
Additionally, she said the Textile Hub Program is a catalyst for change, helping to transform the lives of unemployed youth in the Nakuru County and fostering a more vibrant and sustainable community where everyone feels valued.
Selected candidates will undergo comprehensive training, covering a wide range of skills including hand stitching, the use of electronic sewing machines and equipment, cutting and fitting, pattern drafting and branding workshop practices.
Chief Officer for Youth, Sports and Talent Alex Maina, appreciated the high turnout, especially the participation of young men, noting that the enthusiasm and promise shown by the male candidates was particularly encouraging. He urged the candidates to be punctual and dedicated, as these qualities will be crucial once they are admitted into the program.
Commending the program, Maina said by providing access to various opportunities and training, Daraja 360 empowers unemployed youth to acquire new skills and knowledge that can lead to better job prospects and entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to the growth of the county.
Maina emphasized that by promoting innovation and creativity, Daraja 360 encourages youth to develop solutions and ideas, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and self-reliance in the region.
He also advised the interview panel to prioritize gender balance in this cohort, ensuring more inclusion of young men, which would address the imbalance seen in previous cohorts at the center.
By Veronica Bosibori
