ATHIRIVER CENTER

CAP YEI Athiriver centre is located at the eastern outskirts of the capital Nairobi—in Machakos County. Athi River is one of the fastest growing towns in Kenya due to the establishment of new industries, new and growing cities—Konza and Machakos city, new residential structures, and accessibility by road. The number of industries and government offices established in the area has attracted large population of people into the area and thus the need to provide services. There are also many hospitality institutions being established in the area. Kitengela town neighbouring Athi River not only contribute to the need for workers in the various sector industries but also is a catchment of many of the students who need skills training.

CAP YEI involvement

CAP YEI started its BEST model training in March of 2012 after successful market scan that established hospitality, electrical and electronics, and Industrial Garment Manufacturing (IGM) as the most demanded skills in the area, later Building and Construction wast established. Since the start of the training, CAP YEI arranged to have Athiriver center hosted by AMRITA Children’s centre; a children’s home which has a large farm, classes, workshop, gardens, and is served by adequate water supply. It is located 200M off Mombasa road, bridge 39 in AMRITA CENTRE, and Jamcity slam area. In subsequent market scans and evaluation of the program, it was found Athiriver is strategically suited to train youth in IGM and building and construction only. To date, the centre had enrolled 16 batches of training. Athiriver has already enrolled 226 youth in the second phase,147 completed training, 88.44% succeeded to be placed in jobs, 76 are under internship, and 6.12% started small businesses.