On 3rd November 2022, 59 youths and women graduated from NRT Trading’s Ujuzi Manyattani Vocational Training Programme. It was the fourth graduation of Ujuzi Manyattani skills empowerment training which has directly benefitted 605 people since its inception in 2019.
The 59 graduands from Ruko Conservancy graduated after a three-month technical training. They graduated in different courses, Tailoring and dressmaking, Hairdressing and beauty therapy, and Motorcycle repair and maintenance. The graduates now stand to increase their economic opportunities as northern Kenya aligns with Vision 2030. The vocational model aims to contribute to the Kenyan Government’s ‘Big Four’ agenda that strives to promote job creation; for youth and deepen industrialization.
“Most of us here are pastoralists; some of our livestock have died because of the prolonged drought leaving us with nothing. Ujuzi Manyattani has given us an opportunity to earn income through the skills they have taught us. I have never gone to school; my first school is Ujuzi Manyattani; I have learnt how to make clothes from the Tailoring and dressmaking course. It will help me earn income and create employment for other women and youth. Thank you, NRT Trading”
Faith Muge, Ujuzi Manyattani Tailoring, and dressmaking graduate.
The colorful ceremony was presided over by Douglas Mutugi, Marigat Sub County DCC. Also in attendance were Ruko Community Conservancy leaders, community members, Vocational training teachers, and the NRT Trading team.
“I would like to thank the 59 youth and women who sacrificed their time and commitment to gain skills through Ujuzi Manyattani training and thank NRT Trading for this wonderful program. As an administration, we encourage and support such Programs that improve community livelihoods. I request all parents to take their children to school as it is the only way to achieve economic growth in our community. There is a need for diversification of economic activities; to increase revenue in the community.”
Douglas Mutugi, Marigat Sub County DCC.
To date, Ujuzi Manyattani has empowered 605 young men and women to acquire vocational skills and take advantage of business opportunities in northern Kenya; about 90% of the graduates are semi-illiterate. The fourth graduation saw 30 men and 29 women receive certificates and toolkits to enable them to start business ventures.
“To our graduates, this is not the end but the beginning of a journey that NRT Trading will walk with you. For those who want to become great businesspeople and start businesses that will become industries, you are not alone. For those willing, we will continue training you through the NRT Trading Biashara Mashinani Program that develops the capacity of individuals and groups to start and manage enterprises.”
Ture Boru, Chief Economic Programs Officer.
Ujuzi Manyattani is a vocational training delivery model in which polytechnics place trainers in villages to teach marketable skills. By placing trainers in communities, Ujuzi Manyattani provides access to learning for people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; and those who have not been able to access formal education. It enables pastoralists to acquire practical vocational skills where other training facilities are absent; without disrupting their way of life. The training incorporates adult literacy and entrepreneurship skills. Trainers and tools move across villages, conservancies, and counties to provide equal opportunities to all ethnic groups in community conservancies. The skills offered include masonry, carpentry, motorcycle mechanics, mobile phone mechanics, welding, plumbing, electrical engineering, tour guiding, and solar installation.
Ujuzi Manyattani Programme has been made possible through the support and funding of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Local Works program and the Conservancy Livelihood Fund (CLF). Technical partners are Kiirua Technical Training Institute and Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College.