MACHAKOS CENTER

Machakos County, nicknamed ‘Macha,’ was the first capital city of Kenya and now is an administrative capital of Machakos County. It has a Total Population of 1,098,584 people, 264,500 Households and covers an area of 6,208 SQ. KM. The local climate is semi-arid with a hilly terrain covering most parts of the county. The beautiful hilly scenery is perfect for tourist related activities such as camping, hiking safaris, ecotourism and cultural tourism, dance and music festivals among many more. The county has been selected as the home to the upcoming Konza Technology City due to its proximity to Nairobi, good infrastructure and availability of massive chunks of land. Machakos County, Nairobi’s Eastern neighbor, is home to important industrial and residential centers like Athi River and Mlolongo. Some of the strengths in the county include closeness to Nairobi the capital city of the country, availability of massive land, strong Gender Supporting NGOs, well endowed with natural capital including livestock, minerals, wild game, tourists attraction sites, rangeland and space, and resilient local community with developed mechanism of survival. Besides Konza Techno City, the county government also has an ambitious master-plan that will see the face of the county lifted by the envisioned planned Machakos City.

CAP YEI Involvement in Machakos

CAP YEI conducted a market scan in 2014 to establish what trades, businesses, and training skill gaps were in the area. It was found that automotive engineering, especially for the two wheeled bikes was in hi demand. Other sectors included Customer relations and Sales, building and construction, and carpentry. CAP YEI started training of youth in its center established in Kithaayoni Youth Polytechnic. Since the inception of Mikindani center, 8 batches of 232 students were enrolled, 150 trained and graduated, and 79.33% have been placed in jobs, 79 are in internship, and 16% had started their small businesses.