As the government is targeting to export 2 million workers abroad, the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) has embarked on an initiative to train Kenyans on technical courses for Kenya to meet the demand.
The International Youth Fellowship under a program it started under the IYF Free Weekend Academy is targeting school leavers for technical training skills at no cost to be harnessed for work opportunities in the job market.
The recent intake, which took place last Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 attracted 20,000 youths eyeing job opportunities both locally and abroad through vocational training. This was an overwhelming increase from the 5,000 that graduated a week ago from the institution’s 7th cohort.
With government eyeing the job market abroad, the big numbers that got enrolled at the IYF Free Weekend Academy will assist in the government raising the numbers to meet the 2 million target.
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Thursday, December 12th, 2024, President William Ruto underscored his administration’s efforts to reduce the country’s unemployment gap by exporting over 2 million skilled Kenyans for international job opportunities.
President Ruto emphasised on the need to create opportunities for thousands of youth who enter the labour market annually.
He noted that the government has sealed bilateral labour frameworks with seven countries while awaiting signatures from two countries.
According to Ruto, agreements with 13 countries are at various stages of negotiations and once completed, the government aims to export up to 2 million Kenyans abroad.
“Our committed interventions are creating jobs and opportunities, and this is only the beginning. We are building on the foundation we have laid to create more jobs going forward,” he said.
With Kenya’s youth unemployment crisis requiring urgent solutions, IYF continues to provide innovative, accessible, and impactful training programs that prepare young people for the evolving job market.
Speaking at the orientation ceremony, Ms. Emily Maina, Director of Youth Social Development at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, acknowledged the role of public-private partnerships in driving youth empowerment.
“As the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Creative Economy, our mandate is to equip young people with the skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset they need to thrive. While the government plays a central role, we cannot do it alone. That is why partnerships with organizations like IYF are essential in bridging the skills gap and expanding opportunities for Kenyan youth,” said Ms. Maina.
The IYF Free Weekend Academy offers 31 courses including Computer Programing, Beauty & Hairdressing, Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Paramedics, Automotive Repair, Camera Operations, Graphic & Design, French, Theology, Carpentry, Music, Artificial Intelligence, Sign Language, Chinese and English.
Other courses on offer are Computer Packages, Fashion and Design, Camera Operations, Taekwondo, Catering, Korean, Dance, Art, Networking, Driving, Video Editing, UX Design, Mindset Education, News Production, Digital Marketing and Football.
“At the International Youth Fellowship under the Free Weekend Acdemy, we believe that Kenya’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the change makers of today. By equipping them with the right skills, mentorship, and market access, we are redefining opportunities for young Kenyans to build sustainable careers, businesses with entrepreneurial skills and this vocational training initiative is a movement that fosters passion, profession, and generational impact,” said IYF Chairman Yohan Kim.
These programs are tailored for young people, particularly Form 4 graduates and disadvantaged youth, who face financial barriers to further education. Since its inception in 2007, the IYF Free Weekend Academy has trained and certified over 60,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to establish businesses, secure employment, and contribute to their communities.
The academy operates on a three-month weekend-based model, allowing students to gain practical skills while balancing other responsibilities.
Beyond skill training, IYF integrates mindset education and character development, fostering confidence, discipline, and leadership in young people.
The top-performing students also receive scholarships to further their education in partnership with Mahanaim College, a sister organization