At least 58 youth and women from Nairobi’s informal settlements have successfully completed a six-month training in digital skills and creative enterprise under FCA  Kenya’s Creative Industries (CI) and Women in Creative Enterprise (WICE) programs.

The graduation ceremony, held on Friday at St. Philips ACK Church in Jericho, marked a major milestone in FCA’s efforts to equip women and youths with market-ready skills in animation, graphic design, web development, and digital marketing. The CI program is funded by MFA Finland, while WICE is supported by Women’s Bank.
 
Speaking during the event, FCA Kenya Country Director John Bongei commended the graduates for their resilience and creativity, noting that the program aligns with Kenya’s broader digital transformation agenda.
 
“This is more than a graduation—it’s a celebration of innovation, dignity, and economic empowerment. These young people are now equipped to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to society,” Bongei said.

The initiative targets youth aged 18–35, including persons with disabilities, and aims to bridge the digital divide while promoting inclusive growth. Participants received training in both technical and soft skills, including entrepreneurship, career coaching, and work-readiness.
 
FCA Program Manager Alexon Mwasi emphasized the program’s impact, citing a post-training assessment from 2023 that showed over 60% of graduates had secured paid work within six months.
 
“We’re not just training creatives—we’re building a resilient ecosystem for youth employment and innovation,” Mwasi said.
 
Agnes Barasa,who was the guest speaker and Managing Director of Red Giant, encouraged graduates to leverage their skills for both employment and entrepreneurship, highlighting the growing demand for digital content across sectors. “The creative economy is one of the most dynamic and inclusive sectors. With the right skills, these graduates can become job creators and industry leaders,” she said.
 
Also present was Wainaina Muiruri, Deputy Director of Youth Affairs, Nairobi County, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting youth-led innovation and digital literacy.
 
The CI and WICE programs are implemented at FCA’s creative hub in Jericho, which has become a center for digital training and community engagement. The hub offers blended learning, mentorship, and access to industry networks under WICE program.
 
Graduates showcased their work during the ceremony, including web design and branding portfolios developed during the training. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gain practical skills and build professional networks.
 
“This program gave me the confidence to start my own business and tell stories that matter,” said Angela Washira, a WICE graduate.
 
FCA Kenya plans to continue scaling the initiative, with a focus on sustainability, peer mentorship, and linkages to paid work opportunities. The organization will also engage stakeholders through ecosystem forums and career clinics to strengthen job placement pathways. Since its inception, the Creative Industries program has empowered dozens of youth and women to pursue careers in the digital economy, contributing to FCA’s broader mission of promoting the right to livelihoods and inclusive development.

Text & Picture: Daisy Obare/ FCA