Ujuzi Manyattani: The Vocational Training Programme that Changed a Moran’s Life
John receives start-up toolkits from NRT’s Board chairman Dr. Julius Kipng’etich during the Ujuzi Manyattani graduation on April 6th, 2022
The 6th of April 2022 found John Galwersi, a moran from Karare in Songa Community Conservancy, Marsabit County, brimming with excitement. It was finally graduation day for him and 336 other youth and women from six NRT member community conservancies after three months of intensive vocational training by MashinaniWORKS (NRT Trading) through its Ujuzi Manyattani Programme. Their joy was palpable.
Ujuzi Manyattani had propelled them into a future filled with endless possibilities. Waves of gratitude flowed through John as he reflected on the journey that had brought him to this moment. Before taking up Ujuzi Manyattani’s vocational training, he worked as a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) rider. The nature of the job coupled with the long working hours it demanded took a toll on his health. Quitting, however, was not an option. John had no other way to make ends meet. So he continued with his boda boda business while enduring recurrent health challenges as he sought an alternative source of income.
As destiny would have it, John came to learn about the Ujuzi Manyattani Programme through conservancy leaders. The Programme, he discovered, equipped community members with in-demand skills through vocational training, diversifying their livelihoods and fostering entrepreneurship. Ujuzi Manyattani was the lifeline John needed. He promptly enrolled in the motorcycle repair and maintenance course. After completing his training and graduating, John struggled to secure a formal job. Rather than throw in the towel, John changed his approach for finding meaningful employment.
Using a toolkit that Ujuzi Manyattani had issued to him upon graduating, John built on his expertise in motorcycle repair by working as an apprentice for skilled mechanics for a while. During this time, John saved up Ksh 5,000 which he used to set up his own motorcycle spare parts and repair shop. Gradually, he stocked the shop with essential items, including engine oil, side mirrors, and brake pads. Today, John’s small business is not only addressing a crucial need in the community for motorcycle repair services, but also creating employment opportunities for other youth in the Conservancy.
“My daily income from the repair shop ranges from Ksh 1,000 to 5,000. I also offer mobile services to customers who face challenges traveling to Karare Town by employing riders. This creates jobs for other youth in our community conservancy,” explains John.
John repairs a tricycle outside his auto spares and motorcycle repair shop.
To further support Ujuzi Manyattani graduates in their entrepreneurship journey, through its Biashara Mashinani Programmme, MashinaniWORKS provided them with entrepreneurship and financial literacy training, which enabled John to successfully expand his business.
Since its inception in 2019, Ujuzi Manyattani has trained 962 young men and women in vocational skills, who contribute Ksh 97 million to the local economy each year. 96% of the Programme’s graduates are self-employed and own businesses, while the rest are apprentices or formally employed.
Ujuzi Manyattani is supported by USAID through both the Local Works and the Scaling Sustainability and Resilience for Community Conservancies Programmes, the Royal Danish Embassy through the Danish International Development Agency, the French Development Agency, ICEP, the Embassy of Sweden through the Integrated Management of Natural Resources for Resilience in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Programme and The Nature Conservancy.