Twende Digital launches third cohort with jobs creation in focus
The programme’s holistic approach creates a cross-value ecosystem that benefits both the SMEs and the youth
Twende Digital Project, an innovative partnership between the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and Twiva, today launched its third cohort to address youth unemployment and boost SME digital capabilities through social commerce.
In an event held in a Nairobi hotel, the team flagged off another phase of this impactful initiative co- funded by the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE), which is set to continue transforming the employment landscape for Kenya’s youth and small businesses.
This cohort aims to build on the success of the first and second cohorts, which created and improved over 1,600 jobs and helped in the digitisation of over 500 SMEs. Additionally, SMEs are facilitated with essential digital marketing and e-commerce tools, including influencer marketing, content creation, and social media management, all of which are geared toward increasing sales conversions and market reach.
The programme’s holistic approach creates a cross-value ecosystem that benefits both the SMEs and the youth.
Ehud Gachugu, the acting Deputy CEO and Global Director of Youth & Jobs at KEPSA, highlighted the role of partnerships within private sector players in creating job opportunities, improving access to finance, and equipping SMEs with the resources needed for growth. He also underscored this partnership’s mutual benefit:
“Twende Digital creates a powerful synergy where SMEs and young people grow together. While SMEs gain critical digital expertise and market access, young people earn meaningful, decent jobs as resellers through social and influencer marketing strategies. This win-win model fosters economic development and resilience and contributes to closing the unemployment gap in Kenya.”
According to recent statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, over 50 per cent of the 2.97 million unemployed Kenyans are aged 18 to 29. This alarming youth unemployment rate highlights the urgent need for innovative job-creation strategies. Twende Digital addresses this challenge by offering young people opportunities to participate in Kenya’s growing digital economy. With the support of KEPSA, SMEs enrolled in the Twende Digital programme are also gaining exclusive benefits, such as access to finance and markets, that enhance their business development and growth.
June Mwangi, Programme Officer at KEPSA, noted on the financial challenges for SMEs, noting that debt financing remains a key barrier to growth. She additionally covered financial support programs such as the Jiinue Growth Programme that provides loans to help businesses grow.
“One of the biggest challenges for many SMEs is financial access and affordability. Debt financing is still a major barrier, and many business owners struggle to secure funds to grow and expand. Beyond financial support, I also want to stress the importance of policy and regulatory awareness. Many business owners do not realise how policies affect employment conditions, taxation, and business operations. Having the right information is critical for long-term success.”
