“Do Not Despise Humble Beginnings”: Kennedy’s Journey with TechCraft

Written by Maureen Onyango, CFK Africa Communications & Advocacy Lead 

“I have dreams. I see myself doing better. Thanks to CFK Africa’s TechCraft apprenticeship program, I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.”  

Kennedy Oranga, a 24-year-old boda boda (motorbike) rider from Kibera, is no stranger to responsibility. As the second youngest of four children raised by a widowed mother, he shoulders the burden of being both a father and primary breadwinner for his family. Every day, he navigates the busy streets of Kibera to provide for his loved ones and send money home. While his story is common among many young people in informal settlements, Kennedy’s unwavering determination has set him apart. 

After completing his secondary education at Onjiko Boys High School in Kisumu sub-county in 2016, Kennedy faced a major setback. Due to unpaid school fees, he couldn’t obtain his clearance certificate, a hurdle made even more painful by the death of his father a year later. Despite the grief and uncertainty, Kennedy refused to give up. With the Ksh 40,000 ($310 USD) his father left him, Kennedy purchased a second-hand motorbike, starting his journey as a boda boda rider. This job, transporting others on his bike, helped him keep his family afloat and gave him hope for a better future. 

Now, two months into CFK Africa’s TechCraft apprenticeship program, Kennedy is embracing new opportunities. The program, designed to equip youth in the informal ‘jua kali’ sector with financial literacy, employability skills, and digital training, has not only enhanced his professional abilities but also nurtured personal growth. With guidance from the program’s master craftmen, he is learning new skills including motorbike auto mechanics, which allows him to earn more money in addition to his boda boda hustle. 

Kennedy also credits TechCraft for improving his emotional intelligence, allowing him to handle the daily challenges of his job with greater patience and understanding. “I feel more emotionally intelligent to deal with my challenges,” Kennedy shares. “This job tests people in different ways, especially with conflict around fighting for customers and the variety of customers you meet daily. Three months ago, I would have reacted differently to the challenges I face today.” He attributes his improved working relationships and ability to navigate difficult situations to the holistic approach of the apprenticeship program. His ability to manage his earnings has also transformed, thanks to financial literacy training, which has taught him to save consistently and build a more secure future for himself and his family. 

Looking ahead, Kennedy dreams of owning a garage where he can apply his skills on a larger scale. He hopes to receive a National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) certification at the end of the apprenticeship training, a step that would open doors to formal employment. 

For Kennedy and others like him, TechCraft is more than just a program – it is a lifeline for survival, for reliable income generation, and for future opportunity. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential that lies within every young person, even in the most challenging circumstances.

His advice to his peers in the informal settlements is simple yet profound, “Try to be better, even with the little you have. Everything in life starts small, do not despise humble beginnings.”

Donate to support young people like Kennedy with apprenticeship training that increases their economic opportunity.

Thank you to the GitLab Foundation for making this groundbreaking initiative to connect young people with jobs in the tech industry, crafts, and skilled trades possible.

Share on social