On 6th March 2026, five young participants aged between 18–29 years from Promoting Resilience
Inclusivity and Meaningful Engagement (PRIME) Cycle 2 celebrated a life-changing milestone as they
graduated from a three-month technical and vocational training program at Uhuru Vocational
Training Centre in Isiolo County. The training was supported through linkages facilitated by the
PRIME project, implemented by MID-P in partnership with Mercy Corps, in collaboration with
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) under the Safaricom-funded program.

Through the PRIME project, implemented by MID-P in partnership with Mercy Corps, the
participants have been actively engaged in savings groups where they built financial literacy, discipline,
and confidence. Recognizing the need to go beyond savings, the program continues to create pathways
that link youth to practical skills training, enabling them to pursue sustainable livelihoods.

The training, delivered in collaboration with the Isiolo County Government through the Department
of Vocational Training, equipped participants with practical, market-relevant skills to enhance their
employability and livelihood opportunities. While five participants successfully completed their
training, an additional five PRIME Cycle 3 participants from Oldonyiro have been linked to the same
program and commenced their motorcycle repair training on 12th March 2026, demonstrating
continuity and scale-up of the intervention.

From Echwa Apiaro Youth Group, Geoffrey Lowasa, Paul Lotieng’, and John Kitoe successfully
completed training in plumbing and repair. Equipped with hands-on technical skills, they are now
prepared to tap into the growing demand for plumbing services within their communities, offering
essential services while generating income for themselves. Reflecting on the opportunity, Geoffrey Lowasa shared:

“This training has given me a skill that I can use anywhere. I plan to start offering plumbing services in my community and grow my income step by step.”

From Diko Dansa Youth Group, Yasmin Mohamed graduated in mobile phone repair, gaining the
skills to diagnose and fix common phone issues. In a community where mobile phones are essential
for communication and business; this skill presents a strong opportunity for income generation. She
expressed her aspirations, saying:

“Before this training, I did not have a skill that I could depend on. Now, I can repair phones and I am planning to start a small business so that I can support myself and my family.”

From Baraka Youth Group, Mary Amarti completed training in motorcycle repair and maintenance,
a field traditionally dominated by men. Her achievement challenges gender norms and positions her
to benefit from a growing transport sector where motorcycles are widely used for both mobility and
business.

Reflecting on this achievement, Rahma Mohamed, Chairlady of Diko Dansa Youth Group, shared:
“We are proud to see our members graduate with practical skills that can change their lives. Through PRIME, our girls are not only saving, but also gaining knowledge and confidence to start r own businesses and support their families.”

Similarly, Patrick Eyapar, Chairperson of Echwa Apiaro Youth Group, noted:
“This opportunity has opened new doors for our youth. Skills like motorbike repair are highly needed in our community, and we believe these graduates will now be able to earn a living and become independent as well as set an example for others.”

The impact of this milestone extends far beyond the graduates themselves. With newly acquired
technical skills, these young people are now better positioned to secure employment or start their own
businesses, contributing to improved household income and reduced vulnerability. Their families
stand to benefit from increased financial stability, while the wider community gains access to essential
services such as plumbing, mobile phone repair, and motorcycle maintenance.

This milestone highlights the importance of integrating skills development into youth empowerment
programming. While savings groups provide a strong foundation for financial inclusion, linking
participants to technical training strengthens pathways toward self-reliance and long-term economic
resilience.

Through the continued partnership between MID-P, Mercy Corps, and CRS, PRIME is not only
supporting young people to save, but also equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to
transform their futures. Their journey is a powerful reminder that when youth are given the right tools
and opportunities, they can move from uncertainty to possibility building livelihoods, supporting their
families, and contributing meaningfully to their communities.