Nakuru Town East Sub-county today hosted the Ajira Poa Project Exit Reflection Workshop, attended by key figures including County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura and County Executive Committee Member for Youth, Sports, Gender, and Social Services, Josephine Atieno. This event marked the culmination of the DanChurchAid (DCA) Ajira Poa job creation and skills development project, which has been a transformative force for youth in Nakuru, Nyandarua, and West Pokot counties since its inception in 2021.
In collaboration with Quercus Group, ADS-North Rift, Growth Africa, and the Centre for Career Development and Counselling, the Ajira Poa project has focused on equipping youth with essential skills through various programs. These include soft skills development, technical and vocational training, internships, apprenticeships, job placements, and enterprise development. Over its three-year span, the project has significantly impacted youth, supporting 4,490 individuals through career guidance, 2,796 through digital literacy, 1,920 through financial literacy, and 2,881 through life skills training.
Key accomplishments of the project, in partnership with the Nakuru County Government, include granting 100 youth smartphones, forming the Nakuru Multi-agency Forum (NC-MAF) comprising 76 youth-serving organizations, establishing the Nakuru County Empowerment Center, developing strategic plans for vocational training centers (VTCs), and supporting youth businesses through the Soko Huru la Vijana market activation.
Dr. Mwaura underscored the importance of effective collaboration between the county government and NC-MAF partners to further empower young people for socio-economic growth in Nakuru County. Ms. Atieno lauded DCA for their impactful partnership with the Nakuru County Government, which aligns with H.E. Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to youth support and empowerment.
The workshop was attended by individuals and organizations, including Alice Abuki (Chief Officer for Resource Mobilization), County Directors of ICT, Youth Affairs, and Vocational Training, representatives from DCA led by Area Manager Dr. Immaculate Maina, and partners such as Daraja 360, Midiff, Lish Ai Labs, YBN, DRIC, YAWI, Midrift Hurrinet, NCYBF, NakuruBox, MSEA, and MG Innovation Hub.
The Ajira Poa Project Exit Reflection Workshop stands as a testament to the positive impact of collaborative efforts in youth empowerment and socio-economic development, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to support and uplift the youth of Nakuru County.
