The Family Group Foundation (TFGF), through its partnership with the Military Wives Association of Kenya, has extended technical and vocational training in plumbing and electrical installation to 50 Kenya Navy dependents.
This program has so far benefitted 100 dependents, aged 18-25 years, of service personnel in both the Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Air Force, with the goal of enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Speaking during the 2nd cohort graduation of 50 Kenya Air Force servicemen and women dependents, Kenya Airforce Commander Major General Fatuma Ahmed commended TFGF – which is a social investment arm established by an associated group of companies namely Family Bank, Kenya Orient Insurance and Daykio Plantations –, and the Military Wives Association of Kenya for their concerted efforts towards improving the welfare of KDF families.
“This partnership has continued to show the need for a transformative approach to establish social and economic grounding among young men and women. This programme is inspiring our children to contribute meaningfully to the development of our country and make a positive impact to the community and the world at large,” said Major General Fatuma Ahmed.
Since graduation, members of the 1st cohort have made significant impact on the job market with 15 per cent transitioning into the Kenya Defence Forces as skilled tradesmen while the other 85 per cent of beneficiaries have ventured into employment establishing their own businesses.
“The acquisition of vocational and technical skills through the various TVET institutions in Kenya creates an avenue for the youth to acquire practical skills as they transition to employment or entrepreneurship. As Family Bank, we are committed to equipping young people with the necessary skills they need to meet the evolving labour market demands and economically empower them for a sustainable future,” said Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau.
The Kenya Navy beneficiaries will undergo the same comprehensive three-month construction training program as well as receive construction starter toolkits worth KES 50,000 to make them ready for the job market, internship, apprenticeship placements as well as labour market linkages. This initiative is part of the Family Group Foundation’s shared values initiative under the Tufuzu Youth Entrepreneurship Development Project which focuses on empowering women and youth through sustainable community investment. The program is certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the National Construction Authority (NCA).
“We are proud of this programme which is transformative and feeds into national economic agenda. Through this partnership, we are bridging the gap between labour market demands and skills development of the young people who are dependents of the military men and women. The result of which we believe will lead to the decrease of unemployment among the young people,” said Military Wives Association of Kenya Chairlady Grace Kahariri.
