Nairobi, Kenya – Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Kenya, in partnership with Emerging Leaders, is supporting more than 3,000 youth across the country through Uwezo Kwa Vijana (Skills for Youth), a six-month economic inclusion programme aimed at strengthening skills and enterprise readiness.

Launched in January 2026, the initiative is designed to empower individuals from vulnerable communities by equipping them with practical business skills, improving financial literacy, and exploring income-generating opportunities. This initiative is part of CCBA in Kenya’s broader economic inclusion efforts, which focus on enabling communities to transition from income uncertainty to more sustainable economic participation.

The programme uses a practical, action-oriented approach. Through the Lead Yourself module, participants undergo training focused on building confidence, resilience and leadership skills. The Lead Your Finances component provides practical financial literacy skills including budgeting, savings discipline and income planning, while Lead Your Project guides participants through identifying viable business ideas, developing action plans and identifying partnerships to launch their ventures.

In addition to classroom learning, participants are organised into small peer “hubs” that serve as support networks for knowledge sharing and mentorship. Regular “Café sessions” provide opportunities to review project progress, address challenges and foster collaboration.

The programme aims to reach 3,000 participants in 2026, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and equitable access to opportunity. Women make up 60% of participants, equivalent to 1,800 beneficiaries, while at least 5% of participants are persons with disabilities.

More than half of participants are expected to pursue opportunities within retail, services and recycling sectors, contributing to local value chains while working to establish more reliable income streams.

Commenting on the initiative, CCBA in Kenya’s Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director, Eric Githua said the programme reflects the company’s approach to doing business the right way while working alongside communities.

“We are focused on supporting youth with practical skills that can help unlock economic opportunity,” said Githua. “By working with partners and communities, we aim to help enable pathways to income generation that create value for individuals, families and local economies over time.”

The programme has been implemented in Nairobi and Nakuru counties and is expected to expand to Makueni and Kisii counties.

Githua concludes that the programme reflects a growing recognition that private sector actors can play a catalytic role in addressing unemployment by investing in entrepreneurship ecosystems.

“Strengthened financial literacy and enterprise readiness will help to increase business opportunities and employment participation rates,” noted Githua.