Kenya’s young population represents a vibrant force for the nation’s future. Recognizing this potential, Absa Bank Kenya has made significant strides in empowering the next generation through strategic investments in youth development and future skills.
This commitment is reflected in the bank’s 2022 Sustainability Report, which showcases impactful initiatives that are equipping young Kenyans with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Absa Bank Kenya’s shared value strategy involves supporting education and skill development, promoting diversity and inclusion, and providing financial services to women, youth, and SMEs.
The bank offers demand-driven and innovative solutions for youth, aligned with national goals. These solutions help the youth develop employability skills and future aspirations.
As a result, it has partnered with organisations like KEPSA to launch initiatives such as Ajira Digital and Ready-to-Work, which train youth in digital skills and link them to work opportunities, enhancing their empowerment, economic inclusion, and economic competitiveness.
“As an organization, we are keen on empowering Africa’s tomorrow together, one story at a time. Our Education and skills initiatives underscore our long-term strategy to sustainably impact young people’s lives. Once you give knowledge it only grows and cannot be washed away,” Antoninah Moturi, Citizenship Manager at Absa Bank Kenya PLC.
Investing in Education and Skills Development
Ready-to-Work Program: This flagship initiative provides free online modules to equip youth with essential work readiness, soft skills, and entrepreneurial skills.
Since its inception in 2015, the ReadytoWork program has already equipped over 231,740 people with job-ready skills, with a target of reaching one million by 2025. Its impact extends even further, having awarded university scholarships to 574 deserving students.
Targeting young people between the ages of 16 and 35, the programme is conducted through an online portal that is free and comprises eight key modules, namely, work, people, money, entrepreneurship, gig economy, digital literacy, computational thinking, and blockchain technology skills.
“This year, we focus on enriching young people’s lives through direct mentorship sessions and training. You will see our colleagues engaged in upskilling programs and taking part in school outreach programs in a bid to give back and be a true active force for good,” says Antoninah Moturi.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Absa understands that empowering youth requires a collaborative approach.
The bank actively partners with government agencies, NGOs, educational institutions, and other private sector players to amplify its impact and reach a wider audience.
For instance, the bank says, “By working with leading specialists to empower young people with the training and tools that they need for employment and entrepreneurship in the workplace of the future, we deliver demand-led and innovative interventions that are aligned with national imperatives aimed at addressing youth employability and helping them reimagine their futures. This includes funding access to quality tertiary education and advancing digital, technical, and vocational skills.”
Through its comprehensive and strategic approach, Absa Bank Kenya is playing a crucial role in empowering the future of Kenya. By investing in young people’s education, skill development, and entrepreneurial spirit, Absa is helping to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and innovative nation.
In addition, Absa Bank Kenya is contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
The bank is also aligning its strategy with the Kenya Vision 2030, “which aims to transform Kenya into a competitive and prosperous country with a high quality of life, prioritizing agriculture, healthcare, housing, and manufacturing,” according to Charles Muchene, Chairman, Absa Bank Kenya PLC.
Absa Bank Kenya Set to Double Sustainable Finance to KES120 Billion
