Vocational and Enterprise Training Institute, Kabete Kiambu, Kenya, Africa
Supporting the development of agricultural and other environmental businesses

The Project

The Delaware Kenya Association (DELKA) is a diaspora of Kenyans living and working in Delaware, USA, who have donated 2.5 acres of land in Kabete for the development of a Vocational and Enterprise Training Institute, with a particular focus on tackling environmental and health issues.

EDW is working with Africa Youth Trust and Youth Core Ltd, based in Kenya, and with British Consultancy Ltd, in the UK, to assist and advise on the initial business planning and to provide a comprehensive vocational and enterprise training programme for the Institute.

Background

Kenya is one of the poorest countries in Africa, and one in five Kenyans has income levels that are inadequate to meet basic food needs. However, there has been some progress. Due to educational reforms, more children are now in school, with a good balance between girls and boys. The fight against HIV and AIDS has seen prevalence fall from over 11% to 6.1% during the last five years. Access to better water and sanitation is improving, and Kenya has recorded three years of positive growth (4.3% in 2004, 5.8% in 2005 and 6.0% in 2006).

Kabete, with a total population of 230,362, has a very young population, with 46% being under the age of 19 and 36% aged 18-55 years old. 18% of the population lives below the poverty index.

Research and Consultation

Due to a lack of local statistical and survey information, DELKA commissioned Youth Core Ltd to research the potential need for a vocational and enterprise training institute that would also support and promote the development of environmentally sustainable livelihoods and responsible approaches to health and HIV and AIDS.

The research involved a representative study of young people, including those operating home-based businesses and young entrepreneurs in four villages and three township areas in Kabete. 61% of respondents said they had no means of a livelihood. The research findings demonstrated the need for the Institute and for the development of the already existing but weakly sustained enterprise culture.

Meeting the Need

A business plan and concept design have been developed for the conversion of the buildings on the site initially, and for the development of a full scale Institute as the project evolves. 40% of the young people surveyed were interested in running agricultural businesses. Given this, and the rural nature of the locality, supporting the development of environmentally sound, agriculturally-based enterprises will be a significant element of the Institute’s activities.

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