Our Programs
Skills Development
Empowering Youth With Skills for Today’s Opportunities — and Tomorrow’s Possibilities
At Harambee Youth Kenya, we believe every young person deserves access to practical, marketable skills that open doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong growth. Our Skills Development Focus Area equips youth with the competencies they need to compete, innovate, and succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Our Approach
We are committed to ensuring that Kenyan youth acquire the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to thrive in the evolving job market. At HYK, we invest in skills because they create real, lasting change in the lives of youth and their communities. For many young people, it is the bridge between potential and prosperity, dreams and action, survival and success. Our approach follows these pillars:
Practical, Market-Ready Skills
All our training aligns with real labor market needs — ensuring youth are learning skills with demand, value, and impact.
Quality Training & Mentorship
We collaborate with certified trainers, industry professionals, and mentors to give youth hands-on experience and guidance.
Inclusion & Equal Opportunity
We collaborate with certified trainers, industry professionals, and mentors to give youth hands-on experience and guidance.
Youth-Centered & Flexible Learning
We design programs that fit the realities of young people — short courses, weekend sessions, blended learning, and practical demonstrations.
Growth Into Employment & Entrepreneurship
Our commitment goes beyond training. We support youth to apply their skills through internships, apprenticeships, job linkages, and startup guidance.
Programs Under Skills Development
We provide pathways that transform potential into power.
Vocational & Technical Skills Training
We Sponsor youth to acquire hands-on courses including:
Motorbike and auto mechanics
Electrical installation
Welding and fabrication
Hairdressing & beauty therapy
Tailoring & fashion design
Baking & food production
Photography & videography
Music & audio production
Art, craft & design
Digital Skills Training
We Prepare youth for the digital economy through:
Basic computer literacy
Online work skills (freelancing, data entry, writing, Social media marketing, Graphic design & digital content creation, Web design basics etc)
Life Skills & Personal Development
We help youth build character, discipline, and resilience through:
Communication & public speaking
Leadership & teamwork
Problem-solving
Emotional intelligence
Career development & self-awareness
Why Skills Development Matters
Skills development is more than training — it is a powerful driver of economic transformation, dignity, and long-term opportunity.
1. Reduces Unemployment and Underemployment
Many young people struggle not because they lack ambition, but because they lack skills that match market needs. By offering practical, employable skills, we help youth secure jobs, start small businesses, or create self-employment opportunities that provide steady income.
2. Builds Self-Reliance and Financial Independence
Skills empower youth to build livelihoods that do not depend on handouts or uncertain opportunities. A young person who can bake, repair motorbikes, do hair, design graphics, or create digital content can earn regardless of economic challenges.
3. Unlocks Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Skills training opens doors to creativity and enterprise. Youth who gain technical or digital skills can launch micro-businesses, identify market gaps, and innovate solutions that uplift their communities. Skills turn ideas into profitable ventures.
4. Strengthens Families and Local Economies
A skilled youth is not just helping themselves; they support their families, educate siblings, contribute to household needs, and stimulate local business activities. Skills development has a multiplier effect that strengthens entire communities.
5. Increases Confidence, Purpose, and Motivation
Knowing how to do something well gives a young person confidence, dignity, and belief in their abilities. It transforms their mindset from “I can’t” to “I will.” Skills give youth direction, identity, and renewed hope for the future.
6. Reduces Vulnerability and Risky Behaviors
Youth without opportunities are more vulnerable to crime, drugs, exploitation, or idleness. Skills training provides structure, discipline, and a productive path forward — keeping youth engaged in positive, growth-oriented activities.
7. Enhances Employability in a Changing Job Market
Kenya’s economy is rapidly evolving. Employers value practical competencies, digital literacy, and problem-solving abilities. Skills development prepares youth to compete in modern industries — from ICT to creative arts to vocational trades.
8. Promotes Gender Inclusion and Equity
Skills development opens up opportunities for young women, especially young mothers, to learn trades and digital skills that help them earn, support their children, and become economically empowered.
9. Supports National Development Goals
A skilled youth population strengthens Kenya’s workforce, supports industrial growth, promotes innovation, and contributes to national progress. Skills training aligns with national priorities including job creation, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.
10. Creates Lifelong Advantages
Skills stay with a person for life. They can be improved, diversified, and monetized in multiple ways. Once a young person gains a skill, they carry it forever — enabling continuous growth, resilience, and adaptability.
Get Involved
Get involved by volunteering your skills, partnering with us to expand training opportunities, or donating to support youth on their journey to practical, life-changing skills.
Partner With Us
Support youth training, provide tools, offer internships, or sponsor training cohorts.
Support the Mission
Your contributions help a young person acquire the skills they need to build their life.
Join HYK Sacco
Join our economic advancement programs and take control of your financial future.
STEP 1
Registration
To access this opportunity, you’ll need to first register as a member of HYK SACCO. Membership gives you access to all our programs, learning resources, mentorship opportunities, and a community of peer entrepreneurs and youth leaders.
Once registered, you can submit your application — either online or at a local HYK center.
Application Period:
- Ongoing (apply early to secure your slot!)
STEP 2
Assessment & Selection
After reviewing applications, our team will invite shortlisted youth for a brief interview or pitch session (virtual or in-person).
During this stage, we evaluate:
- Your readiness and passion for entrepreneurship
- Commitment to active participation and learning
- Interest in working collaboratively in savings groups or enterprise teams
HYK values effort and potential over experience—every young person deserves a chance to grow.
STEP 3
Approval
Once selected, you will be required to undergo a mandatory 2 weeks business and financial training, and upon success completion and Agreeing to the SACCO’s repayment terms and schedule, you will receive the the microloan.
We don’t just give loans—we walk with you. Members receive:
- Regular check-ins to track progress
- Ongoing access to HYK networks and post-program support, and
- Marketing and business showcase opportunities
Donate to Help Us Fund More Economic Empowerment Initiatives.
Bank Transfer
Transfer directly to our bank account
Bank Name:
Absa Bank Kenya
Account Name:
Harambee Youth Kenya
Account Number:
2025488604
SWIFT:
BARCKENXVPC
MPESA
Send money via MPESA
Paybill Number:
303030
Account Number:
2025488604
Steps:
1. Go to MPESA menu
2. Select “Lipa na M-PESA”
3. Select “Pay Bill”
4. Enter Paybill: 303030
5. Enter Account: 2025488604
6. Enter Amount and confirm