Published on February 24, 2025 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 1 year by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Business was brought to a standstill as 20,000 youth descended at the Mahanaim College grounds for registration, orientation and enrolment for vocational training at the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Free Weekend Academy.
Las Saturday, February, 22nd 2025, it was a sea of humanity as thousands of prospective students turned up, as the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) kicked off its 8th cohort of the IYF Free Weekend Academy, welcoming nearly 20,000 young people to a transformative skills training program.
This event follows the successful graduation of Cohort 7, a week ago reaffirming IYF’s commitment to empowering youth through practical education and mindset transformation.
As Kenya is eyeing the job market abroad, the institution is preparing thousands of Kenyan youths to be exported for to work beyond Kenya’s borders to earn a living.
Since its inception in 2007 IYF Free Academy, has channeled out over 60,000 graduands who have gone out to be important members of the society.
The academy operates on weekends across 3months whereby students pick one course at a time after which they graduate with certificates and the best receive a scholarship to further their education with Mahanaim College as a partner.
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Thursday, December 12th, 2024, President William Ruto emphasised on the need to create opportunities for thousands of youth who enter the labour market annually.
President Ruto underscored his administration’s efforts to reduce the country’s unemployment gap by exporting over 243,000 skilled Kenyans for international job opportunities.
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.
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.
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.
Empowering Talent and driving Innovation
Rev Yohan Kim, chairman International Youth Fellowship, highlighted the program’s focus on employee growth and development. “This program will provide our students with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their careers.”
“By investing in education and skills development, we are not only empowering our students but also shaping the future of technical courses in Kenya and beyond,” he said.
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. 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.
