Christine Kagendo 
Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri (3R), Family Bank Chair Lazarus Muema (2R), The Family Group Foundation Chairman Dr. Francis Muraya (C) during the graduation of 100 dependents of Kenya Navy service men and women from the vocational and technical skills programme by The Family Group Foundation and Military Wives Association of Kenya. Joining them are the Bank’s COO Belinda Maghanga and the Foundation’s Executive Director John Waimiri, Board Trustee’s Annie Muya & Muema Muindi (R)
- 100 Kenya Navy Dependents Graduate from Technical and Vocational Training Program;
Kenya Navy servicemen and women have graduated with plumbing and electrical skills from the 3rd cohort of the partnership between The Family Group Foundation and the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) with 100 dependents, aged 18-25 respectively
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Mtongwe Kenya Navy Headquarters, Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, commended the program’s impact in equipping young people with marketable skills.
“I am pleased to witness the profound impact this training program has had on these deserving young men and women.
It is evident that the initiative went beyond technical skills, equipping participants with soft skills, financial literacy, and essential toolkits to give them a competitive edge in the job market.
My office is committed to scaling up and expanding this opportunity to empower even more young people, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to build successful careers,” he said.
This partnership has now successfully graduated three cohorts, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 201. The first cohort saw 51 graduates from Kenya Army dependents, while the second cohort included 50 graduates from Kenya Air Force dependents.
“At Family Bank, we believe that true impact goes beyond banking, it’s about transforming lives and building a legacy of opportunity.
With over KES 55 million invested in vocational training, we are not just equipping young Kenyans with skills; we are shaping futures, strengthening families, and fueling economic resilience,” said Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau
“We are proud that 87% of beneficiaries have attained National Construction Authority (NCA) accreditation, 15% have joined the Kenya Defence Forces as skilled tradesmen, 23% have upskilled in solar energy, and over 30% have transitioned into employment, while others are exploring entrepreneurship.
These outcomes reflect the transformative power of vocational training in securing a brighter future for our youth,” she said.
This project is under the Foundation’s Shared Values Initiatives in construction, entrepreneurship, development, and business management services dubbed the Tufuzu Youth Entrepreneurship Development Project, which provides young adults technical training and access to labour markets, financing, and linkages to other strategic partners.
“This program is structured under our education pillar as an association, with this partnership serving as a key enabler. We are also pleased to have the Kenya Navy co-invest in this cohort by sponsoring 50 students, complementing the 50 students sponsored by the Foundation.
This joint effort strengthens our mission to empower and uplift young talent,” said Military Wives Association of Kenya Chairperson Ma’am Grace Kahariri.
The three-month training program integrates hands-on technical training certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the NCA, ensuring that graduates meet industry standards. It also aims to accelerate access to dignified and sustainable income opportunities within the KDF fraternity.
