Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan launches free skills courses as over 600 youth turn up to register

Young people queue at the California ICT Centre in Kamukunji to register for short skills courses, as hundreds turn up for the youth empowerment programme. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

By Charity Kilei
Monday, December 15, 2025

More than 600 young people in Kamukunji, Nairobi, have registered for free short skills courses launched by MP Yusuf Hassan, aiming to boost employment and self-employment opportunities.

Young people in Nairobi’s Kamukunji Constituency are set to benefit from a new skills training drive spearheaded by MP Yusuf Hassan, with hundreds already turning up to register for short courses aimed at boosting employment and self-employment opportunities.

MP Yusuf has assured youths that everyone who attends the registration on December 15 and 16, 2025 and meets the required criteria will be given a chance to participate. He made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the California ICT Centre, where registration is currently ongoing. The initiative follows a pledge he made during the recent distribution of the Uwezo Fund.

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Targeted initiative

The MP said the courses were selected based on feedback from young people who regularly visit his offices. He described the programme as a targeted initiative for unemployed youth, with an upper age limit of 35, although exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The main goal, he noted, is to reach as many young people as possible, especially those living in informal settlements.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan speaks to young applicants during registration for short skills courses at the California ICT Centre. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

“The courses offered focus on the skills young people are most eager to learn. Participants will receive certifications after completing training programs lasting between three and six months,” Yusuf said.

While some training opportunities are available for older participants, the programme primarily targets unemployed youth, with fewer slots reserved for older applicants.

Yusuf emphasised that the registration process is open, transparent and inclusive, urging applicants not to fear exclusion.

“Everyone who attends registration today or tomorrow will have the opportunity to enrol. This is a fair and transparent process,” he said.

He also called on the private sector to engage with the programme, stressing the importance of developing a skilled and well-trained workforce.

Most popular courses

On the first day of registration alone, more than 600 youths turned up, with organisers expecting even higher numbers on the second day. The most popular courses include driving, plumbing, electrical engineering and videography. Both young men and women registered in large numbers, with a noticeable increase in female applicants compared to previous intakes.

The courses are designed to equip unemployed youth with practical, market-ready skills.

“This is a targeted programme for young people who are unemployed, particularly those living in informal settlements,” Yusuf said.

The programme offers certification after three to six months of training, focusing on skills that young people are most eager to acquire.

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Untrained electrician

Among those registering is Alex Ochieng, a resident of California in Kamukunji. A Form Four leaver, Ochieng said he did not perform well in his KCSE exams due to financial challenges and has since been working as an untrained electrician. He applied for electrical engineering and plumbing courses in the hope of becoming self-employed.

“I currently work as an untrained electrician, but I want to gain more skills to better my life. I want to encourage young people to embrace skills training so they can employ themselves,” he said.

Some of the young women who turned up to register for short skills courses at the California ICT Centre. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

For 18-year-old Fatuma Elias, the programme offers a chance to pursue her passion for driving. A recent Form Four graduate, she described the opportunity as timely and accessible to all eligible youth.

“Thank you so much, MP, for offering us these courses. My dream is to study medicine, but for now, driving is an appealing course. I encourage my peers not to be idle but to take advantage of this opportunity,” she said.

Mary Gathogo, a mother who accompanied her daughter to register for a plumbing course, said the programme has brought relief to many families. She noted that her daughter has long wanted to pursue the trade.

“These courses empower young people and give them a real advantage. I am so happy my daughter will finally get a chance to pursue her dream,” Mary said.

Struggled to secure a job

Another beneficiary, Branuel Ilolo, said he has struggled to secure employment because he lacks a driving licence.

“I’ve been on the road for years, but now I’m happy I will finally get my driving license. Opportunities like this make a big difference in our lives,” he said.

Ben Oriaro, 32, from Shauri Moyo, said the videography and photography courses could help advance his acting career. He explained that financial difficulties prevented him from pursuing his dream of studying medicine after completing school in 2013.

“This programme is a lifeline. If everyone who applies gets certified, it will create employment and self-employment opportunities. Skills are life-long, and they can boost confidence and sustain families,” he said.

More women than men enrolling

Linus Abuor, who oversees ICT and youth programmes in Kamukunji, noted that more women than men are enrolling. He said the most popular courses include driving, electrical engineering, videography, and hair and nail technology, while home care, private security and housekeeping have attracted fewer applicants.

“The numbers have already exceeded projections for the day, and we expect even higher turnout tomorrow. Age and voter registration are key eligibility criteria, but we are committed to supporting youth in every possible way,” Abuor said.

He added that the initiative goes beyond training, aiming to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and real-life employment by offering internships, business capital and practical support. He assured residents that the programme is ongoing, with several intakes planned for the current and next financial year.

“Even if some youth cannot enrol this time, they will have opportunities in future intakes. We are committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind,” he said.

With strong turnout and growing interest, the programme is expected to provide pathways to employment, self-employment and economic independence, underlining the impact of skills-based youth empowerment in Kamukunji.