One hundred dependents of Kenya Navy servicemen and women have graduated with plumbing and electrical skills from the third cohort of the partnership between The Family Group Foundation and the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK).
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Mtongwe Kenya Navy Headquarters, Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, commended the program’s impact in equipping young people with marketable skills. “It is evident that the initiative went beyond technical skills, equipping participants with soft skills, financial literacy, and essential toolkits to give them a competitive edge in the job market. My office is committed to scaling up and expanding this opportunity to empower even more young people, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to build successful careers,” he said.
This partnership has now successfully graduated three cohorts, aged 18-25, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 201. The first cohort saw 51 graduates from Kenya Army dependents, while the second cohort included 50 graduates from Kenya Air Force dependents.
“The true impact goes beyond banking, it’s about transforming lives and building a legacy of opportunity. With over Ksh55 million invested in vocational training, we are not just equipping young Kenyans with skills; we are shaping futures, strengthening families, and fuelling economic resilience,” said Family Bank CEO, Ms Nancy Njau.
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The three-month training program integrates hands-on technical training certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the National Construction Authority (NCA), ensuring that graduates meet industry standards. It also aims to accelerate access to dignified and sustainable income opportunities within the KDF fraternity.
Ms Njau said that 87% of beneficiaries have attained NCA accreditation, 15% have joined the Kenya Defence Forces as skilled tradesmen, 23% have upskilled in solar energy, and over 30% have transitioned into employment, while others are exploring entrepreneurship. “These outcomes reflect the transformative power of vocational training in securing a brighter future for our youth,” 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.
“This program is structured under our education pillar as an association, with this partnership serving as a key enabler. We are also pleased to have the Kenya Navy co-invest in this cohort by sponsoring 50 students, complementing the 50 students sponsored by the Foundation,” said Military Wives Association of Kenya Chairperson Ma’am Grace Kahariri.
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