The young people in West Pokot County have received grants worth Sh800,000 under the Ajira Poa project to help them acquire market-driven skills for formal and self-employment.
Anglican Development Services (ADS) North Rift region Executive Director Peter Nyorsok said 20 youths who participated in the Ajira Poa project Dragon competition, will receive capital from his organisation and Danida Church.
Speaking while handing over cheques at Kapenguria Youth Centre, Nyorsok expressed optimism that the initiative would discourage the youth from engaging in retrogressive cultural practices, including banditry.
"Many youth have been shut out of formal sector jobs because they lack relevant skills. That's the reason we want to empower them to be self-reliant," Nyorsok stated.
Nyorsok said the youth acquired training in business planning and development, adding that they will be guided to identify their career pathways.
The Ajira Poa project offers the youth an opportunity to attend TVET courses, career workshops or seminars, life skills training, and entrepreneurship training.
They will also have access to finance, bursaries for education and training, finance for business, apprenticeships, internships, and job opportunities.
"Those seeking to start businesses are taken through enterprise development training. They also get support to start and grow their enterprises," Nyorsok explained.
Some of the beneficiaries have already established enterprises, including digital and content creation, salons, beadwork, and tailoring.
Nyorsok reiterated the need for career counselling, coaching, mentorship, encouragement, and inspiration.
The 20 beneficiaries participated in a competition dubbed the Ajira Poa Dragon and emerged successful out of 80 business proposals presented.
Speaking at the function, West Pokot County Executive in charge of Education and Technical Training, Rebecca Kide said they would collaborate with four vocational training centres in Kodich, Kapenguria, Sigor and Chepareria to offer the youths an opportunity to get the necessary skills.
One of beneficiaries of the project, Janet Cheruto from Talau area who engages in beadwork said she was pleased to receive Sh50,000.
"We have been empowered a lot and as women, we now generate income by selling our beads. This has enabled us to meet our financial obligations as we no longer rely on our husbands for everything," said Cheruto.
The project, targeting 1,500 youths countrywide, was also launched in Nakuru and Nyandarua counties.