Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) , under the leadership of Mrs Grace Kahariri , in partnership with the Family Group Foundation on 17 January 2025 launched the 3rd Cohort of Construction Skills and Development Training Programme dubbed ‘Tufuzu’ at the Kenya Navy Training College (KNTC).
Presided over by Commander Kenya Navy Major General Paul Otieno, the program is designed to empower Kenya Defence Forces Youth Dependants with affordable training that is accessible, practical and industry relevant.
Assessment of the trainees was conducted by MWAK Mombasa Chapter under the leadership of Mrs Linet Otieno with 100 students qualifying for the programme.
The six-month training is aimed at enhancing employability and sustainable incomes to the KDF dependants through imparting technical and vocational skills in construction artisan trades, focusing on electrical and plumbing.
Speaking at the launch, Major General Otieno commended the collaboration between MWAK and Family Group Foundation in addressing youth unemployment and fostering self-reliance among military dependants.
He also underscored the importance of the training, citing its transformative impact to the trainees who are set to gain skills to compete in the highly marketable construction field.
“The construction field in Kenya has grown markedly in the recent years due to increased projects, particularly by the government, creating a surge of job opportunities in the country. This training is hence timely and vital in building the capacity of the youth for employability,” said Major General Otieno.
Present during the launch was Chief of Compensation and Welfare Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Brigadier Edward Nyamao, who highlighted the significance of the training in transforming and creating opportunities for the KDF personnel dependants.
He urged the trainees to use the opportunity to learn and improve on the skills they will acquire during the training to assist them in the job market and in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
“This program will provide you the participants with real learning experiences that will prepare you for employment and compliment your academic studies,” encouraged Brigadier Nyamao.
MWAK Head of Partnership and Collaboration, Mrs Grace Amogola, thanked the leadership of Kenya Navy for hosting the training stating its significance in uplifting the KDF young dependants thus contributing to the economic empowerment of military families.
The Family Group Foundation Senior Programs Manager, Mrs Damaris Mwangi, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting youth empowerment programs ensuring the trainees through MWAK receive high quality training and resources.
“Our collaboration with MWAK is a testament of our shared vision of youth empowerment with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market,” remarked Mrs Mwangi.
She also noted that the training will be offered by Arc Skills Training Kenya through a model known as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) on wheels.
The program first rolled out on 24 December 2024 has already seen the first and second cohort from Kenya Army and Kenya Air Force graduate respectively.
The event was attended by Deputy Commander Kenya Navy Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa , Commander Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe Brigadier Abraham Biwot, Commander Kenya Navy Fleet Brigadier Mohamed Shemote, Commander Kenya Navy Base Manda Brigadier Patroba Wafula, Senior Officers, Officers, MWAK officials and members, Arc Skills trainers and the trainees.
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