As a way of addressing unemployment in the country, KCB Elimu hub has commenced a project on entrepreneurship training targeting Technical Vocational Institutions.
The project focuses on the International Labour Organization(ILO) Start Improve Your Business(SIYB) model of training.
The Eldoret National Polytechnic Trainers are the first lot to benefit from the same ntrepreneurship training.
Certified ILO-SIYB trainer Mr. Bruno Lemashon who spoke in Nakuru during a 10-days training Workshop for the Eldoret National Polytechnic Trainers on the same, noted that Entrepreneurship training is key adding that there is need for impactful training for learners in the TVET institutions.
He added that there is need for capacity building for institutions in various parts of the country.
Mr. Lemashon lauded the ILO-SIYB module of training for having clear outline including ensuring a follow-up with mentorship of three months.
“The partnership with KCB Foundation is key and we shall be working with Eldoret National Polytechnic. The trainers once taken through this, will be able to assist the institutions where entrepreneurship shall be key in shaping the learners and Medium and Small-medium enterprises,” he stated.
Sentiments echoed by ILO-SIYB Master Trainer Mr. Chrisantus wasike.
According to Wasike, the program is being implemented in over 130 countries with an aim of supporting current entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs.
“ILO-SIYB program helps in finding solutions to the unemployment challenges that the country is facing right now,” he stated.
Wasike called on the need for the Education system in Kenya to incorporate the ILO-SIYB program.
This, he says will enable technical skills to be translated into entrepreneurships hence help address unemployment.
He added that the TOT takes 10 days where the trainers understand the content.
The ILO-SIYB Master Trainer also pointed out that training of Entrepreneurs is key in the country.
“This is a program that cannot be taken for grunted. The follow-up aspect of it is key with mentorship and training, linkages, monitoring and evaluation systems in place,” said Wasike.
A total 20 trainers from Eldoret National Polytechnic were in Nakuru for the training Workshop.
Speaking to the press, they lauded the program, adding that it will go a long way in addressing challenges of unemployment.
Led by David Alube, Doris Koech and Irene Luyali, the trainers vowed to use the knowledge gained to help MSMEs realize their potential in entrepreneurship matters.
Mr. David Chepkangor- the Elimu Hub programs coordinator at Eldoret National Polytechnic on his part noted that the focus is on capacity building for the trainers.
He revealed that they aim to train 1095 MSMEs in North Rift region to help them understand the challenges of entrepreneurship and how to overcome the gaps.
“There has been an outcry especially when you look at statistics so many businesses have not been doing well. About 95% of those who start businesses fail as at second year. We therefore believe that the training will help address the issue,” he stated.
Though noting that employment rate in Kenya is very low, he was quick to note that the ILO-SIYB training module will help support the MSMEs towards creation of jobs in the country.
He lauded KCB Foundation for the support.
“As an institution, we are privileged to be the only institution that KCB Foundation has chosen to work with. The trainers once through will be ILO-certified hence capacity to support entrepreneurs,” he stated.
According to him, entrepreneural incorporation at TVET institutions is key in creating employment through business ideas.