Young people from Nairobi’s informal settlements will have access to jobs, internships and business opportunities through a new digital platform launched under the Daraja La Mafanikio (DALMA) Project.
The initiative seeks to address the gap between technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and the labour market by connecting graduates directly with employers.
The project targets youth from areas including Mukuru and Kibera, where many skilled young people struggle to secure jobs or establish businesses after completing training.
The DALMA web platform and mobile application, developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Kenya, allows graduates to create profiles, upload qualifications, showcase practical skills and display work portfolios.
Employers can search for candidates, shortlist applicants and advertise internships and part-time and full-time jobs.
The platform also enables young people to market their products and services and can be accessed through mobile devices. The project team said it is available at daraja.org.
Sandeep Sikura, a computer science lecturer involved in developing the platform, said it would provide a link between TVET graduates and industry while helping employers identify skilled workers.
The project is also targeting vulnerable groups, including young mothers and persons with disabilities. It plans to train 600 TVET trainees in employability and entrepreneurship, provide professional training scholarships to 210 vulnerable youth and offer daycare support for more than 150 children of participating mothers.
Leonard Ariga Mititi, Deputy Director of Vocational Education and Training in Nairobi City County, welcomed the initiative, saying it could help graduates move from vocational training into employment.
Mititi said the county has 12 vocational training centres serving young people seeking technical skills.
Besides job placement, DALMA provides mentorship, internships, examination assistance and other support aimed at helping vulnerable youth complete training and access economic opportunities.
The project brings together training institutions, employers, technology developers and communities to strengthen the link between vocational skills and employment.
