K-YES is entering Phase II and expanding into four new counties

By Silvano Ateka, K-YES project, Kenya

Program transition to Phase II Counties
Initially the program started in five counties that include Bungoma, Garissa, Kericho, Kwale and Nairobi dubbed Phase I. K-YES is now entering  Phase II comprising Kisii, Nyeri, Migori and West Pokot. What happens to the counties from Phase I? You may ask...
 
K-YES is transitioning the activities in those counties over to the County Youth  Employment Compact
 
What are these County Youth Employment Compacts and why do they matter for the program?
The County Youth Employment Compacts are key for sustainability. Compacts are peer-led consultative forums that bring together key stakeholders including senior county government officials, private sector (employers), the NGO sector, and vocational institution managers; the youth and even interested community members.
 
They convene meetings often - mostly on a monthly basis to deliberate on the employment agenda in their respective counties. A case in point is Kericho Compact. Headed by Deputy County Governor and one year since inception, the compact has seen county government commit resources and technical support in improving the vocational training and empowering the youth in the county. As a result, young people are getting jobs.
 
K-YES recently launched the Compact officially to mark its planned exit and takeover of the activities by the Compact led by the County government. The governor and his deputy officiated the event. Other counties were represented by powerful delegations. The lifeblood of the program - the youth - also attended and inspired eveyone by showcasing innovative products from their workshops. 
 
Phase II entry, what is the strategy?
Just like in the Phase I counties; we have undertaken an ecosystem survey on youth employment trends and training needs. The Survey has been compiled in reports and shared with stakeholders for validation. This provides the basis for what needs to be addressed in the Phase II counties. 
 
Changing attitudes...
As the stories further below will attest, the program is witnessing an interesting shift. Girls are determined to aim for jobs traditionally associated with men. They seem excited about masonry, mechanics, plumbing and so on. It seems that the K-YES behavior change communications campaign is working since vocational institutions are witnessing increased enrollment.

 

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 A section of the participants listening keenly to the group presentations made during the learning event.

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 Working group in session during the learning event. 

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His Excellency the Governor Prof. Paul Chepkwony giving remarks during the learning event that took place at Sunshine Hotel, Kericho

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 From left to Right: H.E the governor, USAID Youth Advisor and H.E the deputy governor sampling the products made by Chemosot VTC students.

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 Signing of the CYEC memorandum. 

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