Youth Training: Skills for Tomorrow

In Eldoret, a bustling town in Kenya’s Rift Valley known for its athletic talent and agricultural productivity, the youth face a stark reality: high unemployment and limited opportunities for growth. Many young people, despite their potential, struggle to find jobs or start businesses due to a lack of skills and resources. This month, Digital Bearers launched a transformative youth training program in Eldoret, equipping 40 young people with vocational skills to build a brighter future for themselves and their community.

The program, held over eight weeks in the Kapsoya area, provided training in carpentry, electrical work, and basic entrepreneurship, tailored to the needs of the local job market. From crafting furniture to wiring homes, these young men and women are now ready to take on skilled work, start their own businesses, or secure employment. Already, many have begun earning an income, breaking the cycle of unemployment and inspiring hope in a generation eager for change. In Eldoret, where the youth are the heartbeat of the community, this program is sowing the seeds for a more prosperous tomorrow.

Addressing Youth Unemployment in Eldoret

Eldoret’s youth face significant challenges in securing a stable livelihood. Despite the town’s economic activity, driven by agriculture and sports, unemployment among young people remains high. Many lack the technical skills needed for available jobs, and formal education often doesn’t prepare them for the practical demands of the workforce. Without opportunities, some turn to low-paying, informal work like boda boda (motorcycle taxi) driving, while others fall into despair, grappling with issues like substance abuse or crime. “I finished school, but there were no jobs,” said Kevin, a 22-year-old participant. “I felt stuck.”

The youth training program in Kapsoya was designed to address these challenges by providing practical, market-driven skills. The 40 participants, aged 18 to 30, were selected based on their economic need and interest in vocational training. Over eight weeks, they received hands-on training in two key trades: carpentry and electrical work. In carpentry, they learned to design and build furniture like tables, chairs, and shelves, using tools like saws, hammers, and chisels. In electrical work, they were taught how to install wiring, repair appliances, and ensure safety standards, skills that are in high demand in Eldoret’s growing residential areas.

The training was intensive, with participants spending hours each day practicing their craft under the guidance of experienced instructors. They started with basic techniques—like measuring and cutting wood or understanding electrical circuits—and progressed to more complex projects, such as building a full chair or wiring a mock room. “I never thought I could make something with my hands,” said Mercy, a 19-year-old participant. “Now I can build a table that people want to buy.” By the end of the program, each participant had completed a portfolio of work, giving them the confidence to take on real-world projects.

In addition to vocational skills, the program included a module on basic entrepreneurship. Participants learned how to start and manage a small business, covering topics like pricing, customer service, and financial management. They were taught how to market their services, such as advertising their carpentry work to local schools or offering electrical repairs to homeowners. “I learned how to talk to customers and set fair prices,” said Kevin. “Now I know how to make my skills pay.” These entrepreneurial skills are empowering the youth to not only find jobs but also create their own opportunities.

From Training to Real-World Impact

The impact of the training program was swift and tangible: within weeks of completing the course, many of the 40 participants had started earning an income. Some of the carpenters began making furniture for neighbors, crafting items like chairs and tables that are in high demand in Kapsoya. Others found work with local contractors, helping to build homes or repair structures. The electricians, meanwhile, started taking on small jobs like wiring houses, installing lights, and fixing appliances, earning a reputation for reliability. “I made a table and sold it for 3,000 shillings,” said Mercy. “It was my first sale, and I felt so proud.”

The income from these skills is transforming the lives of the participants and their families. Many are now able to support themselves, reducing their dependence on parents or siblings. Some are using their earnings to pay for further education, buy tools to grow their businesses, or contribute to household expenses. “I can pay for my sister’s school fees now,” said Brian, a 24-year-old electrician. “It feels good to help my family.” This financial independence is giving the youth a sense of purpose and stability, breaking the cycle of unemployment that has long held them back.

The program is also having a broader impact on the community. The furniture and electrical services provided by the participants are meeting local needs, improving the quality of life in Kapsoya. Schools now have new desks made by the carpenters, while homes are safer with proper electrical wiring installed by the electricians. The youth are becoming valuable contributors to Eldoret’s economy, filling gaps in the labor market and reducing reliance on external contractors. “The desks in our school were broken,” said a teacher in Kapsoya. “The young carpenters fixed them, and now our students can learn better.”

Perhaps most importantly, the program has given the youth a renewed sense of hope and ambition. Many participants, who once felt directionless, now have clear goals for their future—whether it’s starting a carpentry workshop, becoming a master electrician, or even training others in their trade. “I want to open my own shop one day,” said Kevin. “I know I can do it now.” This shift in mindset is empowering the youth to dream bigger and work harder, creating a generation of skilled, confident individuals ready to lead Eldoret into the future.

Navigating Challenges in Youth Training

Implementing the youth training program in Eldoret came with its share of challenges, both logistical and social. One of the biggest hurdles was sourcing equipment and materials for the training. Carpentry tools like saws and chisels, as well as electrical supplies like wires and testers, are expensive, and ensuring there were enough for 40 participants required careful budgeting. We worked with local suppliers to secure discounted materials, and some tools were donated by supporters, but the limited budget meant participants often had to share equipment, slowing down their practice. “We had to take turns using the saws,” said Brian. “But we made it work.”

Finding a suitable training space was another challenge. Kapsoya lacks large community centers, and many available spaces were either too small or lacked electricity for the electrical training component. We eventually rented a workshop from a local vocational school, but we had to install additional lighting and safety features to make it suitable for training. The cost of renting the space and setting it up added to the program’s expenses, but it was necessary to ensure the participants had a conducive learning environment. “The workshop was a good place to learn,” said Mercy. “It felt like a real workplace.”

Social challenges also arose, particularly around gender dynamics. While the program was open to both young men and women, some female participants faced skepticism from their families or peers, who questioned whether trades like carpentry and electrical work were “appropriate” for women. To address this, we held community sensitization sessions, explaining the importance of gender equality in vocational training and showcasing success stories of women in similar fields. Over time, attitudes began to shift, and the female participants gained support from their families. “My brother didn’t think I could do carpentry,” said Mercy. “Now he’s proud of me.”

Another challenge was ensuring the youth stayed committed to the program. Some participants struggled to balance the training with other responsibilities, such as helping at home or doing casual work to earn money. To make attendance easier, we provided a small stipend to cover transportation and meals, and we scheduled the sessions to accommodate their routines. We also offered mentorship sessions, where participants could discuss their challenges and receive encouragement. “The mentors kept me going,” said Kevin. “They believed in me even when I doubted myself.” These efforts ensured that all 40 participants completed the program.

Fostering a Supportive Youth Network

The training program did more than teach vocational skills—it created a tight-knit network of young people who now support each other. During the eight weeks, the 40 participants formed strong bonds, sharing their experiences, learning together, and cheering each other on. They’ve since established a youth group in Kapsoya, where they meet regularly to collaborate on projects, share job opportunities, and mentor new trainees. “We’re a team now,” said Brian. “If I get a big electrical job, I call my friends to help.”

This network has given the youth a platform to advocate for their needs and dreams. They’ve started engaging with local leaders, requesting more training programs, better access to tools, and support for small businesses. Their collective voice is gaining attention, with the Kapsoya community recognizing the potential of its youth to drive development. “We want to show that young people can do great things,” said Mercy. “We just need the chance.” This advocacy is empowering the youth to take an active role in shaping their future.

The participants are also giving back to their community. Some of the carpenters have volunteered to repair furniture at local schools and churches, while the electricians have offered free repairs for vulnerable households, such as those led by elderly residents. These acts of service are earning them respect and gratitude, strengthening their ties to the community. “I fixed the lights at our church,” said Brian. “Everyone was so happy, and it made me feel good.” This spirit of contribution is turning the youth into leaders and role models in Kapsoya.

The program’s success has sparked interest among other young people in Eldoret. Since the training ended, over 60 youth have inquired about joining a similar program, eager to gain skills and build a better future. “I saw my cousin become an electrician, and I want to learn too,” said one young man. “I don’t want to be left behind.” This growing demand highlights the need for more vocational training opportunities and the potential for youth to drive change when given the right support.

A Vision for Skilled and Empowered Youth

The youth training program in Eldoret—40 young people, eight weeks, countless opportunities—has shown the power of vocational skills to transform lives. Building on this success, Digital Bearers plans to expand the program to other parts of Kenya, with a goal of training 200 more youth in vocational skills over the next two years. Each young person we empower becomes a catalyst for change, creating jobs, supporting families, and inspiring others in their community.

We’re also exploring ways to enhance the program’s impact. One initiative is to establish a youth cooperative, where participants can pool their resources, share tools, and take on larger projects together, such as furnishing an entire school or wiring a new housing development. Another plan is to introduce additional trades, such as plumbing or masonry, to give youth more options for employment. We’re also working on partnerships with local businesses to provide internships and job placements, ensuring the participants can transition smoothly into the workforce. “I want to hire some of these young electricians,” said a local contractor. “They’re skilled and hardworking.”

Mentorship and follow-up support will remain a key focus. We’re developing a program to pair participants with experienced professionals in their trade, providing guidance as they start their careers or businesses. We’re also planning to offer advanced training sessions, where youth can learn more specialized skills, such as designing custom furniture or installing solar panels. “I want to keep learning,” said Mercy. “There’s so much more I can do.” These efforts will ensure that the youth continue to grow and succeed long after the initial training ends.

The youth of Eldoret are the future of their community, and this program has given them the tools to build that future. For the 40 participants, carpentry and electrical skills are not just trades—they’re pathways to independence, dignity, and a better life. For Digital Bearers, this initiative is a reminder of the potential that lies in every young person, waiting to be unlocked. With the support of our donors and the determination of youth like those in Kapsoya, we’re creating a generation of skilled, empowered individuals who will lead Eldoret—and Kenya—toward a brighter tomorrow.

In the workshops of Kapsoya, the sound of hammers and the hum of electrical testers are the sounds of progress. The 40 young people who completed the training program are not just building furniture or wiring homes—they’re building their futures, one skill at a time. Their success is a call to action for all of us. Together, we can empower more youth, break the cycle of unemployment, and create a world where every young person has the chance to shine. In Eldoret, that world is already taking shape, one project, one job, one empowered youth at a time.