Initiative Aims to Reduce Crime, Foster Sustainable Livelihoods in Kisumu
KASAGAM, Kisumu East, August 14th – Nyalenda Young Turks Community-Based Organisation (CBO) has officially launched a youth empowerment program designed to equip young people with technical skills, mentorship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The initiative, unveiled yesterday at Kasagam Police Station in Kisumu East, where the training centre is located, offers courses in tailoring, ICT and digital literacy, psychological support, mentorship, photography and video editing.
Other key courses include sign language, beauty therapy, and organic farming techniques.
The program seeks to provide youths with practical skills to foster self-reliance and reduce idleness, particularly during the ongoing school break.
Bridging Skills Gap
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Jeremiah Okut, the centre manager, emphasised that the initiative aims to engage youths productively, steering them away from criminal activities.
“It is designed to equip young people in Nyalenda with marketable skills that will keep them positively engaged. With schools closed, many youths are idle, making them vulnerable to negative influences. We want to change that narrative,” Okut said.
Affordable Training
The centre, which also serves as a resource hub, is structured to help trainees secure livelihoods through certified training.
Mr Okut further revealed that the program is coordinated in partnership with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) to ensure industry-recognised certifications.
“We are glad to have local administrators on board to help disseminate information and link trained youths to opportunities,” Okut said while adding that Nyalenda Young Turks CBO is committed to impacting youths across Kisumu County, and this centre provides a secure and central location for training.
Courses run for three months, with a nominal fee of Sh2,000, which allows students to enrol in two to three courses depending on availability.
Opportunities for Women
Maurice Achieng from Joy of Grace Initiative, a partner organisation, highlighted efforts to empower young women through beauty therapy training.
“We are introducing modern beauty equipment to equip girls with skills for future employment,” Achieng said.
“We are building capacity in sustainable farming to help communities adapt to climate challenges while creating economic opportunities,” Okeyo noted.
Enrollment Targets
The centre aims to train at least 100 youths in its first month, with plans to expand based on demand.
Okut urged interested youths to seize the opportunity, stating, “This is a chance to transform your future. Take it seriously.”
It was attended by youths drawn from the nearby sub-counties and officials from National Government authorities, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the initiative.
