TVET Scholarships For 1300 Youth Launched By M-PESA Foundation

TVET Scholarships For 1300 Youth Launched By M-PESA Foundation. The M-PESA Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Embu, has officially launched a transformative scholarship programme aimed at equipping 1,300 youth across Kenya with essential technical and vocational skills. This comprehensive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarship initiative is designed to empower youth from 47 counties with the skills needed to thrive in today’s job market. Through this programme, the beneficiaries will have access to fully funded training that covers not only tuition fees but also a monthly stipend for accommodation and living expenses.

This ambitious initiative is a significant step toward closing the skills gap and enhancing the employability of young people in Kenya. With a particular focus on practical, hands-on training in fields that align with market demands, the programme is set to create a lasting impact on Kenya’s economic landscape.

Comprehensive Coverage For The Selected Youth

The scholarship programme, offered by the M-PESA Foundation and the University of Embu, ensures that the selected youth will benefit from a full financial package. This includes the payment of all fees related to the TVET programmes, as well as a monthly stipend for living expenses. Such comprehensive support will enable students to focus entirely on their studies and practical training without the burden of financial constraints.

Participants will have the opportunity to pursue various qualifications, ranging from craft certificates to diplomas. These qualifications will be offered in a wide range of vocational fields that are in high demand, including:

Cosmetology
Building and Construction
Mobile and Electronic Repairs
Vehicle Repairs (Two and Three-Wheeled Vehicles)
Electrical Installation and Maintenance
Advanced Welding
Culinary Arts
Information Technology

Each of these courses has been carefully selected to provide students with the skills necessary to succeed in industries that are crucial to Kenya’s economic development.

A Strategic Partnership For Youth Empowerment

Speaking at the launch, Nicholas Kamunyu, Trustee of the Safaricom Foundation, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for economic empowerment through education and training. “We are pleased to partner with the University of Embu to launch this TVET Scholarship Programme in recognition that we need to provide access to education and comprehensive training that will empower our youth to access opportunities for economic empowerment,” Kamunyu said.

The scholarship programme aims not only to provide access to education but also to equip young people with skills that are immediately applicable in the workforce. This partnership between the M-PESA Foundation and the University of Embu reflects a shared vision of improving the economic prospects of Kenya’s youth by focusing on practical training and marketable skills.

Targeting Key Counties In Kenya

The programme will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase set to benefit an initial 400 youth from 10 counties. These counties include Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Homa Bay, Nyamira, and Turkana. Each of these regions has been carefully selected based on various socio-economic factors, ensuring that the programme reaches youth in need of financial and educational support.

Professor David Mugendi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Embu, highlighted the strategic nature of the programme. “The scholarships we are launching today will provide access to a diverse range of programs which have been carefully selected to align with current market demands. Many of these skills are what we often associate with blue-collar jobs, but let us not underestimate their value. These are the foundational skills that drive industries, boost productivity, and create pathways to meaningful employment,” Professor Mugendi said.

The programme’s focus on blue-collar skills underscores its commitment to developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting key industries across Kenya.

Establishing A TVET Centre of Excellence

As part of the broader efforts to strengthen TVET education, M-PESA Foundation also broke ground on the construction of a TVET Centre of Excellence at the University of Embu. This facility is set to become a hub for quality vocational education, with state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet the needs of modern industries. The planned constructions and renovations will include:

A facility for phone and computer repairs
A fully equipped cosmetology lab
An automotive workshop
A cafeteria to support the culinary arts program
A Black Soldier Fly farming initiative

This Centre of Excellence is expected to greatly enhance the University of Embu’s capacity to provide high-quality vocational training, positioning it as a leader in TVET education in the region.

Empowering The Next Generation of Skilled Workers

The TVET scholarship programme launched by the M-PESA Foundation and the University of Embu is not just an investment in education; it’s an investment in Kenya’s future. By focusing on vocational skills that are essential to key industries, the programme seeks to empower youth with the tools they need to build successful careers.

For many young people, the transition from education to employment can be challenging, especially without the right skills. This scholarship programme is designed to bridge that gap, offering students not only the chance to learn but also the support they need to succeed. By covering both education costs and living expenses, the programme removes significant barriers to success, allowing students to fully dedicate themselves to their training.

In the coming years, the impact of this initiative will likely be felt across Kenya, as skilled graduates enter the workforce and contribute to the country’s growth and development.

Conclusion

The launch of the TVET scholarship programme by the M-PESA Foundation and the University of Embu marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to equip its youth with the skills needed to thrive in the modern economy. With 1,300 youth expected to benefit from the programme, this initiative not only provides access to education but also fosters economic empowerment and long-term career opportunities.