Residents of Kahawa Sukari Ward have been given an opportunity to acquire practical and market oriented skills through a new free vocational training programme targeting young people, women and other members of the community.
The programme, launched through a partnership between the Janet Wambui Kimiti Foundation and Brighter Minds Technical and Vocational College, seeks to bring affordable skills training closer to residents and equip them with competencies that can enhance their chances of securing employment or starting their own enterprises.
The initiative offers free short courses in areas including barista training, hospitality, digital skills and other practical disciplines, with organisers saying the programme is designed to respond to the changing demands of the job market.
Speaking during the launch, Janet Wambui Kimiti, who has expressed interest in contesting the Kahawa Sukari MCA seat in the 2027 General Election, said the programme was aimed at empowering residents with skills that could translate into economic opportunities.
Kimiti said young people and women in particular needed access to practical training that would enable them to become more self reliant rather than depend solely on formal employment opportunities.
She said the partnership with Brighter Minds Technical and Vocational College would make it possible for residents to access training within their own community, reducing some of the barriers associated with the cost and distance involved in acquiring vocational skills.
The initiative comes at a time when technical and vocational education is increasingly being promoted as an avenue for equipping young people with hands on competencies for employment and entrepreneurship.
Participants in the programme will have an opportunity to gain skills in hospitality related services, digital technology and other areas that can potentially be applied in formal employment, freelancing or small businesses.
Speaking at the event, Ruth Wahu, Director of Brighter Minds Technical and Vocational College, thanked the Janet Wambui Kimiti Foundation for partnering with the institution to take training opportunities closer to residents.
Wahu said the college was prepared to provide quality, practical and hands on instruction to participants enrolled in the programme.
She said the training would focus on equipping learners with market ready skills that can be applied beyond the classroom.
The partnership is expected to provide residents with an opportunity to acquire practical competencies without the financial burden normally associated with short vocational courses.
Organisers said the programme would particularly seek to reach young people and women who are looking for skills to improve their livelihoods, access employment or establish income generating ventures.
The launch also highlighted the growing role of community based initiatives and partnerships with training institutions in expanding access to technical and vocational education.
For residents of Kahawa Sukari Ward, the programme offers an opportunity to acquire practical skills while remaining within their local community.
The organisers are expected to provide further information on registration, course schedules and the full range of courses available under the initiative.
The programme comes as demand continues to grow for practical skills that can complement formal education and enable young people to participate in an increasingly digital and skills driven economy.
