The current labor force is encountering an increasing skills gap, as numerous job applicants do not possess the crucial competencies needed to meet the changing needs of the industry. CoELIB's Empower initiative tackles this issue by providing young individuals with relevant, hands-on skills, including digital literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Through offering targeted training that aligns with market demands, we are helping to bridge the gap between education and job opportunities.
CoELIB is strengthening the Kenyan workforce courtesy of its workforce development programme. Central to this programme is the workforce development initiative, which is currently ongoing.
Between March and June 2025, CoELIB has built the capacities of 11 students (eight in the media and three in the agriculture) from various learning institutions who are presently at the centre receiving capacity building across different management and practice areas, including media, agriculture and the creative space. The programme sharpens their technical skills and nurtures innovation and leadership for Kenya's future workforce. The structured supervision and guidance ensure that each student receives assistance in their career and personal growth.
“Communications and media attachés are tasked with documenting interventions and enhancing the impact visibility both locally and internationally. They also take part in media production. Those aligned with agriculture contribute to field research, farm management, data collection and documentation of sustainable agricultural practices. They also help translate complex agricultural knowledge into consumable content as a means towards impact-motivated communication.” Wilson M. Karimi, Programmes Manager—CoELIB
“My career path has become clearer, and I have gained practical skills in media and communications thanks to this placement." Miss Mutura Wairimu, Student— Egerton University.
Notably, the class of 2025 led the live streaming of the 2025 Egerton University Sacco Annual General Meeting, getting a chance to put into practice every theoretical production aspect. They were also part of the Tunza Punda initiative organized by Brooke East Africa—an event purposed on storytelling for impact and the role of digital media in advocacy along agricultural value chains. They were also part of the production team that delivered the SHIELD film.
"Leading the cohort over the past three months—from May to July—has been a great experience. What impressed me was that even individuals with agricultural backgrounds joined those aligned to communications and media during their free time to expand their abilities.”—Victor Otieno, Communications and Media Associate, CoELIB
By nurturing young talent and offering a practical learning atmosphere, CoELIB remains aligned with its goal of converting knowledge into action, one student at a time.
Industrial attachment is a key part of CoELIB's talent development strategy, with yearly openings for communication, agribusiness, journalism, and related fields.
