COUNTY, KISIP PARTNER TO CAPACITY BUILD KISIP BENEFICIARY COMMUNITIES

The County Government of Kakamega, in partnership with the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP II) under Component II on Socio-Economic Inclusion Planning, and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Project (NYOTA), has launched a joint initiative aimed at strengthening the socio-economic capacity of KISIP beneficiary communities.

The collaboration seeks to promote socio-emotional skills development to enhance employability and socio-economic resilience among vulnerable urban youth living in informal settlements.

Speaking during the capacity-building sessions held in Mumias and Kakamega Municipalities, KISIP Project Coordinator, Mr. Kevin Marangu, noted that the 45-day structured training programme is designed to directly empower beneficiaries with practical and life skills necessary for workforce readiness and entrepreneurship. He emphasized that the programme integrates socio-emotional competencies such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, while also linking youth to social safety net programmes and supporting community-led development initiatives.

Youth from Amalemba and Kambi Somali in Kakamega Municipality, as well as Lukoye,Shibale and Mjini in Mumias Municipality, are among the targeted beneficiaries.

The collaboration further saw Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) handed over to respective communities for empowerment purposes.

Also present during the engagement was KISIP National Project Coordinator, Mr. Edison Moreno, who reaffirmed the project’s commitment to inclusive urban development and sustainable livelihood improvement for informal settlement communities.