Major General Fatuma Ahmed, Commander of Kenya Air Force (KAF), presided over the graduation ceremony of the Tufuzu Youth Development Entrepreneurship Program at Moi Air Base (MAB).
This is the second cohort, sponsored by the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) and the Family Bank Foundation.
The ceremony attracted 48 students from various Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) families with an interest in acquiring plumbing and electrical skills.
Maj Gen Ahmed commended the graduates for their significant milestones and dedication throughout the training.
Ahmed expressed her appreciation to MWAK and the Family Bank Foundation for their partnership in making a socio-economic impact for the children and contributing to the nation’s development.
“I encourage you to use these skills to make a positive impact on your community and the world at large. This is just the beginning; learning never ends. Always strive to gain more skills and knowledge in your field,” she said.
MWAK Chairlady Grace Kahariri congratulated the students for their efforts during the three months of training.
She said the next three months of internship would broaden their opportunities for both corporate and self-employment.
“I believe that as you enter the field, you will apply the theoretical and practical skills you have learned in class. The three-month industrial attachment will equip you with the confidence and practical experience required to penetrate the job market in the vibrant construction industry,” said Kahariri.
The graduates were awarded certificates accredited by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the National Construction Authority of Kenya.
They also received toolkits to assist them as they transitioned into the job market.
The first cohort of KDF dependents graduated in June 2023, with a majority drawn from Kenya Army families.
The current cohort mainly comprises Kenya Air Force dependents, bringing the total beneficiaries of the initiative to 98.
Due to its success, MWAK and the Family Bank Foundation plan to run a similar program for Kenya Navy families.
MWAK said its steadfast in its commitment to fostering the empowerment of KDF dependents both socially and educationally.