Ujuzi Mashinani

Ujuzi Mashinani is a vocational training delivery model in which polytechnics place trainers in villages to teach marketable skills.

By placing trainers in communities, Ujuzi Mashinani provides access to learning for people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and those who have not accessed formal education. It enables pastoralists to acquire practical vocational skills where other training facilities are absent without disrupting their way of life. Adult literacy and entrepreneurship skills are also incorporated into the training. Trainers and tools move across villages, conservancies, and counties to provide equal opportunities to all ethnic groups in community conservancies. Our partnering TVET institutions include Kiirua Technical Training Institute, Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College, and Nyeri National Polytechnic (for the Recognition of Prior Learning)

Since 2017, Ujuzi Mashinani has empowered over 15,400 youths, with 96% starting businesses through self-employment. On average, graduates see a $70 monthly income boost. Annually, they inject over $1,137,000 into the local economy, creating income streams previously nonexistent. Household Based Businesses

Biashara Mashinani is a structured graduation-based program that encompasses training, business development, business mentorship, the provision of financial literacy tools, such as savings and loan facilities and mobile banking, and access to a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO).

Micro-credit loans provided through the Rangelands SACCO

The Rangelands SACCO is an independent, community-owned, and membership-driven financial organization that receives oversight, critical technical support, and training from Mashinani program.