The three-month pilot phase training program seeks to sponsor 100 dependants of the KDF servicemen and women aged 18-25 years in plumbing and electrical installation.
The Family Group Foundation has set aside KES 10 million in partnership with Kenya Defence Forces Military Wives Association of Kenya to provide technical and vocational skills to 100 servicemen dependents.
“This convergence today represents a family centric approach towards welfare. Welfare is critical because the wellbeing of our soldiers and their families is critical in our service delivery. This partnership is a great opportunity because we have established the Ulinzi Construction Company in Eldoret which intends to absorb artisan skilled labour,” said Chief of Kenya Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi.
“This partnership between The Family Group Foundation and Military Wives Association of Kenya is fundamental because it not only provides training for the youth, but also equips them with construction tool kits making them ready for the job markets,” added General Kibochi.
The partnership aims to enhance the employability and entrepreneurial opportunities of the young men and women by also providing them with construction starter toolkits, internship, apprenticeship placements as well as labour market linkages.
“As a financial institution, we have been intentional in not only offering financial services but also finding ways to impact the welfare of societies around us,” said Family Bank CEO Rebecca Mbithi.
“As a Bank, we are instrumental in accelerating sustainable investment themes and driving financial inclusion. We want to not only empower youth and women but enhance the welfare of servicemen and women by equipping them with the necessary skills to be self-sufficient, and in return transform their lives,” she said.
This project is under the Foundation’s Shared Values Initiatives in construction, entrepreneurship, development, and business management services dubbed the Tufuzu Youth Entrepreneurship Development Project, which provides young adults technical training and access to labour markets, financing, and linkages to other strategic partners.
Speaking on behalf of the Military Wives Association of Kenya Chairperson, the head of partnership and collaboration Grace Amogola lauded this maiden initiative for reflecting the association’s vision of promoting the well-being of KDF families.
“The signing of this partnership today is not only bridging the manpower gap in the market but it provides an opportunity to avail a 360 degree competency based training to military establishments. Our hope is that this partnership will be availed across all military establishments in the country as this is the pilot phase,” she said.
The partnership also seeks to accelerate the access to dignified and sustainable income generation opportunities within the KDF fraternity. The pilot phase training, which will be held at Ulinzi Sport Complex, will be combined with practical training of technical skills certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the National Construction Authority (NCA).
Through a similar partnership with USAID Tumikia Mtoto Project implemented by World Vision Kenya, the Foundation has impacted over 500 young women aged 18-24 years from slum areas with technical and vocational skills in plumbing, electrical and painting through a total investment of KES. 30 million.