From skills to startups: How SIYB training is empowering Kericho’s youth to beat unemployment

KERICHO (ILO News) - In October 2024, Kericho County became the stage for a transformative business training initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment by empowering local entrepreneurs. Through the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) program, an ambitious effort under the ACCEL Africa Project, 120 young people from six vocational training centres (VTCs) received crucial business management skills. The program aims to help them seize opportunities for self-employment across various sectors, addressing not only youth unemployment but also the underlying economic factors fuelling child labour in sub-Saharan Africa.

Breaking the poverty cycle: Why SIYB training matters

The latest Global Estimates of Child Labour report revealed a concerning increase in child labour, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of child labourers surged from 72.1 million to 92.2 million between 2016 and 2020. This growing crisis underscores the urgency of meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.7, which calls for the elimination of child labour by 2025. The ACCEL Africa Project is responding to this challenge with a multi-layered approach, partnering with Kericho’s vocational training centres to equip young people with the skills needed to break the cycle of poverty and lessen reliance on child labour as a means of family support.

© ILO/Duncan

© ILO/Duncan

By empowering youth with entrepreneurial skills, the SIYB program addresses root causes of poverty and unemployment. The 120 young participants, targeted because they represent a crucial segment for economic growth, can now contribute to local job creation, strengthen the local economy, and reshape their communities with a focus on sustainable, ethical livelihoods.

Building business foundations

The SIYB training journey began with an awareness campaign in late September, drawing interest from aspiring young entrepreneurs across six VTCs in Kericho. The training covered essential entrepreneurial skills, from business planning and marketing to financial management and customer relations. Key modules included “Generate Your Business” (GYB), which guided participants through ideating and structuring business plans, and “Start Your Business” (SYB), which introduced financial and operational strategies essential for sustaining an enterprise.

© ILO/Duncan

© ILO/Duncan

Trainers, already equipped with the SIYB curriculum, used interactive tools like role-playing, group work, and real-world simulations to teach in ways that were engaging and applicable. Early on, trainers clarified an important point: while participants initially assumed the program would offer startup capital, the focus was on building self-sufficiency through foundational business skills. This shifted the focus to skills needed for securing and managing funds independently. By the end of the program, participants left not only trained but also confident in their ability to apply these skills.

Looking ahead: Sustaining impact beyond the training room

The program’s impact doesn’t end at training; ACCEL Africa has set up a support structure to ensure participants receive ongoing guidance as they launch their businesses. A WhatsApp group now connects participants with trainers and peers, offering a space for advice and mutual support. Regular check-ins and counselling sessions are also planned, allowing one-on-one mentorship on topics like business development, marketing, and financial management.

This follow-up is essential to help Kericho’s youth navigate the challenges that come with launching new businesses. Beyond individual support, ACCEL Africa’s efforts align with a broader vision for local economic resilience. As these 120 young people establish and sustain their ventures, they contribute to Kericho’s long-term economic stability and provide a sustainable alternative to poverty-driven child labour.

The SIYB training in Kericho demonstrates the power of targeted, grassroots initiatives in creating lasting, positive change. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, ACCEL Africa and Kericho County are reshaping their community’s economic landscape—one business at a time.