The project is a youth employment activity funded by the German government through the GIZ Agri-Jobs 4 Youth initiative.

Implemented by BrighterMonday Kenya, it builds on the success of its predecessor and seeks to offer young people working opportunities.

The Vijana na Kilimo II project goal is to improve labor matching in the Western Kenya agri-food sector, enhance employability for youth aged 18–35 years, and promote good talent acquisition practices for employers.

During its inaugural phase, the project’s primary mission was to empower youth in five counties in Western Kenya—Kisumu, Bungoma, Siaya, Kakamega, and Vihiga—within the agri-food sector, creating valuable pathways to job opportunities.

A total of 15,016 beneficiaries across the nation have benefited from the programme, exceeding its initial target of 10,000.

In Western Kenya, 4,749 underwent the initiative.

While an additional 1,257 young people in the agri-food sector underwent in-person training to develop their soft skills and improve employability, 4,362 enrolled in the same training online.

Some 336 employers were sensitised to leverage digital platforms for talent acquisition, resulting in 547 young people being placed in internships and jobs in the agri-food sector.

Phase 2 aims to empower youth further and enhance HR practices in the Western Kenya agri-food sector.

The project places a strong emphasis on digital employment access, employability training, and talent acquisition.

“The successes of Phase One have laid the foundation for even greater impact in this follow-on phase. Our participation in the Vijana na Kilimo II project represents our unwavering commitment to empowering the youth, providing up-skilling opportunities in line with job market demands, and turning the young people’s aspirations into reality,” Chris Otumdo, CEO of BrighterMonday Kenya, stated.

“Working with MSMEs, who form the majority of employers in the agri-food sector, will reinforce the sustainability of the successes we will achieve beyond the project life cycle.”