By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 12, 2026 - More than 2,000 young people enrolled in vocational training centres across Nyeri County are set to benefit from training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship and innovation under a new programme aimed at preparing them for opportunities in the modern economy.
The initiative, which has been rolled out in all the county's 27 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), is being implemented by FuturePrenuer in partnership with the Nyeri County Government.
Announcing the programme, Nyeri Governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga said the training will expose participants to practical skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, AI, graphic design and the use of social media platforms for business.
"The programme is designed to equip young people with modern skills that will enhance their employability and enable them to create sustainable businesses," said Kahiga.
The first phase of the training is expected to run until August, with a second round scheduled to commence in September.
Kahiga said county leaders had received a progress briefing from Association of Business Executives (ABE) Country Manager Boniface Kamau and official Lucy Muthoni on the programme, which is already underway across the county.
The governor noted that the initiative goes beyond classroom instruction by challenging trainees to develop practical solutions to everyday problems.
"As part of the programme, trainees will be required to develop unique innovations, present prototypes and showcase practical solutions to real-world challenges," he said.
He added that promising projects emerging from the training would not be left on paper.
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"Promising innovations will be supported for implementation by the organization," Kahiga said.
The programme will also offer mentorship and funding opportunities aimed at helping young innovators transform ideas into thriving businesses.
"The initiative will also include mentorship and funding opportunities to help nurture young entrepreneurs and turn innovative ideas into viable enterprises," he said.
Kahiga described the programme as a milestone in the county's efforts to empower young people through skills development and innovation.
"This programme is a significant step towards empowering our youth with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to succeed in today's digital and innovation-driven economy," he said.
He commended FuturePrenuer and its partners for investing in young people, saying the initiative would contribute to economic growth and job creation in the county.
"I commend the organization and all partners involved for investing in the future of our young people and creating opportunities that will contribute to the economic transformation of Nyeri County," said the governor.
County Executive Committee Member for Education Margaret Macharia was present during the meeting.