Tales of success: Beauticians reflect on journey with 2Jiajiri programme

When Caroline Kioko heard about the KCB 2Jiajiri programme in 2022, she quickly applied and hoped for the best in getting nominated as a participant in the project that promised to change lives among Kenyans.

Luck as she calls it saw her get sponsorship to train at the Point College in Machakos County.

After four months of training, Kioko graduated with excellent skills as a beautician and hairdresser.

“I was nominated to train as a beautician at the Beauty Point College,” said Kioko during an interview.

The 27-year-old now works at a local salon in Machakos Town, but she spiritedly hopes to start her own business when she gets enough capital.

“The training sharpened my skills in not only hairdressing and beauty but also in how to manage a business as an entrepreneur, manage business records and customer care,” she narrated.

“The programme also skilled me in planning savings, loans and marketing,” she added.

Agnes Ndanu, a salonist based in Kimbo in Kiambu County, also shares similar sentiments.

The proprietor who learned her skills on the job and later established a business premises says the programme has bolstered her business and propelled her skills to meet modern-day client demands.

 “I got a scholarship from the programme to train at St Dominic Training Institute, focusing on beauty therapy,” she explains.

"I am now a certified saloonist. I now work with confidence and have been able to train others,” she continued.

Having attained a certificate, Ndanu expanded her business, an attribute she says was enabled by the business management skills she learned from the mentorship initiative.

“They helped me learn business management skills including marketing, managing finances, accounting and record-keeping.”

She has also upgraded the standards at her workplace, attracting more clients.

“My gratitude goes to KCB Foundation. They made me a better person and have boosted my skills and business,” she concludes.

The programme, run by the KCB Foundation, is an empowering initiative for Kenyan youth economically.

By offering full scholarships to qualified applicants, 2Jiajiri provides access to quality vocational training that promotes skill development and entrepreneurial potential.

Graduates of this program gain market-ready skills and hands-on experience, equipping them to enter the job market or start their businesses.

Launched in 2016, the program has created over 119,000 jobs. The program's focus is on formalising the informal sector and helping microenterprises provide employment to other young people.