Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) in collaboration with Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC) and Tamarind Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the skills of youth in the Mukuru informal settlements through culinary training.

Over the span of 3 years, KWAL will invest a minimum of Sh10,000,000 in a program named ‘Inua’, a Swahili word for Uplift. This initiative aims to empower youth to secure a sustainable livelihood in the Hospitality Industry.

Inua, a vocational training initiative targeting youth from informal settlements, aims to standardize support for Kenya’s hospitality industry value chain through skill enhancement.

Gracing the event held at Carnivore Simba Saloon, the Regional Director of the State Department of Youth and Creative Economy, Mr Daniel Kirui, commended the program, affirming the government’s commitment to addressing youth concerns and promoting socio-economic development.

Mr Kirui said, ‘‘The Inua program perfectly aligns with this government’s commitment to uplift young Kenyans, ensuring they have the capacities to establish meaningful careers and contribute to our nation’s socio-economic development, by not only enhancing the value chain of the hospitality industry but also directly contributing to the reduction of unemployment and underemployment among our youth.”

At the MOU signing event, KWAL’s Managing Director, Ms Lina Githuka, emphasized the broader vision of Inua, aiming to foster a sense of belonging and holistic development among participants.

“Beyond technical skills training, our vision with Inua is to promote a sense of belonging to the participants. We want to holistically nurture the potential of our youth. In line with this, we redesigned the program, to equip the participants with the necessary exposure and mindset they require to succeed in life.”

The program, facilitated by the partnership between KWAL, Mukuru Promotion Centre, and Tamarind Group, will provide intensive training in various aspects of the hospitality industry, including culinary arts, customer service, technology and hotel management.

Mukuru Promotion Centre Director, Sister Mary Killeen, highlighted the program’s comprehensive hospitality curriculum, designed to equip participants with both technical skills and the confidence to excel in their careers.

She said, “It’s designed not just to equip our students with the skills they need to succeed but also to instil in them the confidence to aspire for greatness.”

Mukuru Promotion Centre will conduct the program, offering opportunities for disadvantaged youth to acquire relevant skills and break the cycle of poverty.

The Tamarind Group will coordinate trainees’ tours within their hotel chain and facilitate chef exchange visits to provide real-life experiences. Additionally, they will offer apprenticeship opportunities to program participants.

Tamarind Group Operations Director, Joseph Gacheru, emphasized the transformative nature of hospitality skills, offering interns not only practical experience but also personal growth opportunities.

“Learning hospitality skills isn’t just about acquiring the knowledge to serve; it’s about learning the art of making others feel welcome, understood, and valued. It’s a profound transformation that goes beyond professional development to personal growth. The internship opportunities will not only provide practical experience but also a foot in the door of the hospitality industry, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of a globally renowned hospitality brand.”

KWAL will sponsor and facilitate activities for the trainees at Mukuru Promotion Centre, ensuring smooth implementation of the program.

.Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and Chapter 3 of Agenda 21 of the United Nations, the Inua program seeks to promote economic growth, employment, and poverty eradication, particularly among vulnerable groups.