KCB Foundation 2JIAJIRI Vocational Training Scholarships – April 2025 Intake

The KCB Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the April 2025 intake of the 2JIAJIRI Vocational Training Scholarships, in partnership with the Nairobi Institute of Technology. This life-changing opportunity is designed for youth between the ages of 18 and 35 who are passionate about acquiring hands-on skills and turning their talents into successful businesses or gainful employment.

Through the 2JIAJIRI program, the KCB Foundation continues to invest in Kenya’s youth by providing access to technical training, entrepreneurship development, and job placement support. The scholarships are fully funded and aimed at equipping young people with the practical skills required in today’s competitive job market, with the ultimate goal of reducing unemployment and empowering youth to become job creators.

About the 2JIAJIRI Program

Launched in 2016, 2JIAJIRI is a flagship youth empowerment initiative under the KCB Foundation. It seeks to address the problem of youth unemployment by offering vocational training, business development support, and financing to young people with a focus on promoting self-employment in key economic sectors. These include building and construction, beauty and personal care, automotive engineering, agribusiness, and domestic services, among others.

Since its inception, the program has trained thousands of young Kenyans, many of whom have gone on to start their own businesses or secure employment in their areas of specialization. The program targets out-of-school youth, both skilled and unskilled, who are in need of technical training to either sharpen their current skills or start from scratch.

The April 2025 scholarship intake builds on this legacy by providing a fresh opportunity for passionate and driven individuals to receive high-quality vocational training, complemented by entrepreneurship coaching and industry exposure.

Partner Institution: Nairobi Institute of Technology (NIT)

The Nairobi Institute of Technology (NIT), located in Westlands, Nairobi, is the official partner for this round of scholarships. NIT is a recognized leader in vocational and technical education, offering courses tailored to meet market demands. The institute combines practical training with theoretical knowledge to ensure students graduate with job-ready skills.

As a partner institution, NIT will host scholarship recipients for training sessions, industrial placements, and mentorship programs. All selected candidates will be expected to attend in-person sessions at the institute’s Westlands Road campus.

Scholarship Categories

The 2JIAJIRI scholarships are offered under two main categories:

Skiller Category:

This category is designed for individuals with no prior vocational training or work experience. It provides a full curriculum beginning from basic to advanced levels in the chosen field. It is ideal for those who are just starting their journey in technical training.

Apprentice Category:

The apprentice category targets youth who already have some technical skills but lack formal training or certification. This pathway enhances existing skills and prepares individuals for entrepreneurship or skilled employment opportunities.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the KCB Foundation 2JIAJIRI vocational training scholarship for the April 2025 intake, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Possess a valid Kenyan National Identity Card

Be between 18 and 35 years of age

Be able to read and write in either Kiswahili or English

Be willing and able to undertake training at Nairobi Institute of Technology or any other listed training institution as directed

Commit to attending all scheduled training sessions, including mandatory industrial placements

Fit into one of the two defined categories (Skiller or Apprentice)

Applicants who meet these criteria are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline. The scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and early application is strongly recommended.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: 3 April 2025, 6:00 PM (EAT)

All applications must be submitted before the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.

Interviews: 8 April 2025

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend in-person interviews at the Nairobi Institute of Technology, Westlands Road Campus. Interview invitations will be communicated via phone or email, so applicants are encouraged to provide accurate contact details during the application process.

Training Commencement: April 2025

Successful applicants will be enrolled in the vocational training programs and are expected to report for classes as per the schedule provided during the selection process.

Why Apply for the 2JIAJIRI Scholarship?

Fully Sponsored Training:

All tuition fees are covered by the KCB Foundation. Beneficiaries also receive support for materials, tools, and equipment where applicable.

Certified Courses:

Training is offered by accredited institutions, and successful trainees receive recognized certifications that enhance employability and credibility in their trade.

Industry Exposure:

Beneficiaries undergo hands-on industrial placements with experienced professionals in their field, gaining valuable real-world insights and building professional networks.

Entrepreneurship Support:

In addition to technical training, recipients benefit from financial literacy and business skills development sessions to help them build sustainable enterprises.

Mentorship and Coaching:

Trainees receive guidance from professionals and industry experts to help them navigate their training and career paths effectively.

Pathway to Employment and Self-Reliance:

The program is specifically designed to prepare young people for either wage employment or entrepreneurship, depending on their personal career goals.

Application Process

To apply for the April 2025 intake of the KCB Foundation 2JIAJIRI scholarships, interested candidates must complete and submit the application form The form requires basic personal information, academic background (if any), preferred course area, and justification for applying.

Applicants are advised to ensure the following:

Submit a complete application form with all required information

Provide valid contact details (mobile number and email)

Clearly indicate their preferred training category (Skiller or Apprentice)

Upload any supporting documentation that may enhance their application

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow for processing time and ensure eligibility for shortlisting.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The KCB Foundation is committed to inclusive development and equal opportunity. Applications are encouraged from all eligible individuals, including young women, people living with disabilities, and youth from marginalized communities across Kenya. The Foundation seeks to empower youth across the country, regardless of background, by offering them access to meaningful vocational training and opportunities for economic advancement.

For young Kenyans who dream of becoming self-reliant, building successful careers in the technical trades, or launching their own businesses, the KCB Foundation 2JIAJIRI scholarship presents a golden opportunity. The April 2025 intake provides a fresh start for many, offering not just training but also a chance to build a future based on skills, confidence, and entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to formalize your skills, this fully-funded program offers everything you need to succeed—training, mentorship, certification, and a path to financial independence. Don’t miss the chance to take that first step.

How to Apply

Applications are open now and will close on 3 April 2025 at 6:00 PM (EAT). Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews on 8 April 2025 at the Nairobi Institute of Technology in Westlands.

To apply and for more information, visit the KCB Foundation website or the Nairobi Institute of Technology directly.

We are excited that you are applying for the 2jiajiri Programme. Before completing the application form, read the information below carefully.

KCB Foundation is offering scholarships at Grade 3 Level for vocational training, at Nairobi Institute of Technology(N.I.T) . The deadline for applications is April 3rd, 2025 at 6.00PM,EAT and interviews will take place on 8thApril 2025 at the institution.

Scholarship Selection Criteria

Eligibility: To qualify for the skills and enterprise development scholarship, all applicants must fulfill the criteria below:

Have a National Identity Card

Be between the age of 18-35years

Be able to read and write in Kiswahili and/or English

Be willing to undertake the training at any of the listed training Institutes.

Commit to attend all training sessions including industrial placement.

Be within one of the two categories (Skiller or Apprentice)

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. 

Instructions

Fill out the application form as clearly and as completely as possible.

Only complete applications will be considered and admission into the programme is based on a competitive selection process.

After submitting your responses select “save my responses”. after saving, you can open the filed form and download.

During the interview, candidates will be expected to present the downloaded form, Original National Identity card, a passport sized photo, and a copy of their highest academic certificate. 

The candidates will also be expected to present originals of the above documents. Failure to produce these documents will lead to automatic disqualification.

Note:

Applicants will be given equal opportunity and shall not be discriminated on the basis of disability, gender, regional, religious and ethnic background.

All the Information collected by KCB shall be processed exclusively within the scope of the applicable statutory provisions of data protection law, the Data Protection Act and any other applicable data privacy laws and regulations. The KCB Group data Privacy statement can be found here https://ke.kcbgroup.com/data-privacy-statement

KCB Foundation is committed to respecting and protecting Vulnerable Persons against any form of abuse, exploitation, discrimination, or harassment.