In response to the rising demand for skilled labour and sustainable self-employment pathways for young people in Kenya, the KCB Foundation continues its commitment to empowering youth through the 2Jiajiri Programme. This initiative seeks to close the skills gap by providing access to vocational education and entrepreneurial development opportunities.
For the August 2025 intake, the KCB Foundation has announced the opening of applications for fully funded scholarships targeting youth aged between 18 and 34 years. The scholarships will support training at the Grade 3 level in accredited vocational training institutions located in Nairobi and its surrounding areas, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, and Nyandarua counties. The programme offers a wide range of practical courses tailored to key growth sectors in Kenya’s economy.
With the application window closing on 14th August 2025 at 6:00 PM EAT, and interviews scheduled for 19th to 22nd August 2025, this is a timely opportunity for eligible youth to equip themselves with critical skills for employment or self-employment.
About the 2Jiajiri Programme
The 2Jiajiri Programme is a flagship initiative of the KCB Foundation, designed to empower youth with skills and knowledge to enable them to establish or grow microenterprises in the informal sector. The programme has been structured to address youth unemployment through a dual approach: equipping participants with vocational skills and enhancing their entrepreneurial capacities.
The Foundation’s goal is to create a new cadre of skilled artisans capable of contributing to Kenya’s economic development while also addressing poverty and joblessness. Beneficiaries are not only trained in technical skills but are also introduced to essential business and financial management practices.
Scholarship Description
The KCB Foundation 2Jiajiri Scholarship offers full tuition support for Grade 3 vocational training in selected institutions within four counties: Nairobi, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, and Nyandarua. The scholarship will cater for tuition costs only. Successful applicants will be responsible for their accommodation throughout the training duration.
Training Duration and Structure
The selected trainees will undergo structured training that includes:
- Institutional Training: Classroom and workshop-based technical instruction.
- Industrial Placement: A period of hands-on experience in a relevant industry.
- Certification: Upon completion, candidates will be assessed and certified by the relevant authorities.
The programme is designed to ensure that upon graduation, each trainee possesses employable skills and foundational knowledge in business creation.
Eligible Courses for August 2025 Intake
The August 2025 intake features a broad selection of practical courses across diverse industries. These include but are not limited to:
Beauty and Personal Care
- Hair Dressing
- Nail Technology
- Beauty Therapy
- Body Art and Facial Skin Care
- Hairpiece Production
Fashion and Garment Making
- Tailoring and Dressmaking
- Fashion Design
- Pattern Making
- Textile Production Skills
- Sewing Machine Operation
Hospitality and Food Services
- Food and Beverage Production
- Food and Beverage Service
- Hospitality and Domestic Services
- F&B Production
- F&B Service
Construction and Mechanical Trades
- Electrical Installation
- Plumbing
- Pipe-Fitting
- Tiling
- Masonry
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Carpentry and Cabinet Making
- Motor Vehicle Mechanics
Agriculture and Allied Sectors
- Horticulture Production
- Livestock Production
Digital and Business Skills
- Digital Marketing
- Artificial Intelligence
Health and Social Services
- Health Support Services
- Care Giving
These courses are tailored to meet market demands and equip learners with in-demand skills suitable for immediate job placement or business initiation.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Kenyan citizen with a valid National Identity Card.
- Aged between 18–34 years at the time of application.
- Literate in Kiswahili and/or English to follow training instructions.
- Willing to attend training at any of the selected institutions in Nairobi & Environs, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, or Nyandarua.
- Commit to full attendance, including industrial placement and all programme activities.
- Fit into one of the two application categories:
- Skiller: Individuals with no prior training seeking to acquire vocational skills.
- Apprentice: Individuals already engaged in informal sector work but lacking formal training or certification.
Application Process
Applicants are required to complete an official application form available via the designated application link. It is essential that each section of the form is filled out accurately and completely. Only complete applications will be considered for review.
Interview Requirements and Selection Process
Interview Dates: 19th to 22nd August 2025
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews at the designated training institutions. During the interview, candidates must present the following documents:
- Original National Identity Card.
- Original academic certificates representing their highest level of education.
Admission into the programme is competitive and strictly merit-based. Selection will focus on the applicant’s commitment to learning, motivation to engage in self-employment or job placement after training, and ability to complete the programme as required.
Important Notes
- The scholarship does not include accommodation. Applicants requiring housing are advised to make their own arrangements near their selected training institution.
- The KCB Foundation promotes equal opportunity in its selection process and does not discriminate based on disability, gender, religion, region, or ethnicity.
- The Foundation adheres strictly to safeguarding principles, especially in the protection of vulnerable persons from abuse, exploitation, or harassment.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Application Deadline: 14th August 2025 at 6:00 PM EAT
- Interview Period: 19th to 22nd August 2025
- Location of Training: Selected institutions in Nairobi & Environs, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, and Nyandarua Counties
Eligible and interested candidates are encouraged to act promptly and submit their applications before the deadline. The skills acquired under this programme could mark the beginning of a successful career or entrepreneurial journey.
Application Forms
Instructions for Applicants:
- Access and fill out the online application form.
- Ensure all required fields are completed before submission.
- Incomplete applications or those lacking required attachments will not be reviewed.
- No application fee is required.
