Twenty thousand youth have been enrolled in the International Youth Fellowship Free Weekend Academy’s eighth cohort programme.
The youth were among thousands of those who turned up for the IYF Free Weekend Cohort eight orientation at the organisation’s headquarters in Nairobi on Saturday.
The event led to a traffic snarl-up along the Thika Super Highway on Saturday afternoon as those who attended the function thronged the road with motorists compelled to park as far as the Safari Park Hotel area and walk distances to the venue located next to the USIU.
The orientation marked the official kicking off of the International Youth Fellowship Free Weekend Academy's eighth cohort.
Those who enrolled for the three-month programme are young people who are eager to be part of the transformative skills training program.
The orientation exercise follows the successful graduation of Cohort 7, reaffirming IYF’s commitment to empowering youth through practical education and mindset transformation.
It was presided over by Emily Maina, Director of Youth Social Development at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, who acknowledged the role of public-private partnerships in driving youth empowerment.
"The International Youth Fellowship is one of the paramount partners that work with the government. They have been here since 2007, during the post-election violence," Maina said.
Maina said IYF had inculcated issues of mind education so that young people were able to understand that even when things are bad, you don't need to take things into your own hands.
"You adopt a positive mindset so that solutions can be found. When I look at the numbers that are here, my heart is full of gratitude because you have realized this institution is paramount and selfless. All of you seated here, you haven't paid even a shilling, neither will you pay a coin for the training," Maina said.
She added: "As the Ministry of Youth and Economy, our mandate is to equip young people with the skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset they need to thrive. While the government plays a central role, we can’t do it alone. That’s why partnerships with organizations like IYF are essential in bridging the skills gap and expanding opportunities for Kenyan youth."
The IYF Free Weekend Academy offers 31 skill-based courses which include plumbing, Beauty & Hairdressing, Catering, Camera Operations, Computer Packages, Fashion & Design, Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence, Carpentry & Design.
These programmes cater to young people, particularly Form 4 leavers and disadvantaged youth, who face financial barriers to further education.
Since its inception in 2007, the IYF Free Weekend Academy has trained and certified over 60,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to establish businesses, secure employment, and contribute to their communities.
The academy operates on a three-month weekend-based model, allowing students to gain practical skills while balancing other responsibilities.
Beyond skill training, IYF integrates mindset education and character development, fostering confidence, discipline, and leadership in young people. The top-performing students also receive scholarships to further their education in partnership with Mahanaim College, a sister organization.
With Kenya’s youth unemployment crisis requiring urgent solutions, IYF continues to provide innovative, accessible, and impactful training programs that prepare young people for the evolving job market.
The newly introduced courses at IYF include artificial intelligence, driving, English, and welding.
Youth, according to IYF, hold the key to Kenya's future, yet many face barriers to education, skills development, and employment opportunities.
Recognizing these challenges, IYF has empowered over one million young people through transformational training and mindset education over the last 30 years.
With the high rate of youth unemployment, the IYF Free Weekend Academy provides practical solutions to help young people gain skills, become self-reliant, and create employment opportunities.
The event according to IYF, was the largest intake, yet
showcased a scalable model for youth employment in Kenya and beyond.
