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KCB Foundation, Toyota strike youth start-ups deal

oigara

KCB Group chief executive Joshua Oigara. FILE PHOTO | NMG

The KCB #ticker:KCB Foundation and Toyota Kenya Foundation have signed a deal that will see automotive engineering graduates certified to own Toyota service centres.

The graduates under the KCB Foundation’s 2jiajiri automotive class will attend engineering classes for a further 12 months under the Toyota Service Technician of 21st Century” (TST21) programme.

Upon completion of the course, the trainees will be certified to set up garages as Toyota Kenya Limited Appointed Service Centre (TKASC) and be legible for seed capital from KCB Foundation under the 2Jiajiri loan.

“We are committed to support and nurture start-ups and businesses, and foster access to markets for the young entrepreneurs” said KCB Group chief executive Joshua Oigara during the graduation.

Under the partnership, the KCB Foundation is pooling resources for scholarships to youth in auto mechanics.

Toyota Kenya Limited intends to expand service centres across Kenya in a bid to open up the automotive industry and provide employment to the youth.

“We seek to play our role as a multinational in creating opportunities for the youth who will eventually support the industry we do business in,” said Toyota Kenya Foundation Chairman Dennis Awori.

The graduates will receive funding from KCB Foundation to set up their businesses.

Each graduate will receive Sh20 million to set up a service centre.