The Twende Digital Project, a collaborative initiative between the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and Twiva, has launched its second cohort, marking a significant step forward in addressing youth unemployment and boosting the digital capabilities of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya.

Co-funded by the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE), Twende Digital is set to continue transforming the employment landscape for Kenya’s youth and businesses.

Building on Success

The second cohort aims to build upon the achievements of the first cohort, which concluded in July 2024 with the creation and improvement of over 1,000 jobs. By mid-2025, the program seeks to reach its target of creating or improving 3,000 jobs.

A Comprehensive Approach

Beyond job creation, Twende Digital offers a comprehensive approach to empowering SMEs and youth. The program provides linkages to essential resources such as finance, health, and pension benefits, while also ensuring conducive working environments to enhance productivity.

A Digital Boost for Kenyan SMEs

In a significant move to enhance the competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya, the Twende Digital program has gained momentum with the support of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).

This initiative aims to equip SMEs with the necessary digital tools and resources to boost their sales, reach wider markets, and ultimately achieve sustainable growth.

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Equipping SMEs with Digital Tools

To help SMEs thrive in the digital age, Twende Digital equips them with essential digital marketing and e-commerce tools. This includes influencer marketing, content creation, and social media management, all aimed at increasing sales conversions and expanding market reach.

A Cross-Value Ecosystem

The program’s holistic approach promotes a cross-value ecosystem that benefits both SMEs and youth. As Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Ag. Deputy CEO and Global Director of Youth & Jobs at KEPSA, highlighted, “Twende Digital creates a powerful partnership where SMEs and young people grow together. While SMEs gain critical digital expertise and market access, young people earn meaningful, decent jobs as resellers through social and influencer marketing strategies.”

This win-win model contributes to economic development, resilience, and the closure of the unemployment gap in Kenya.

Addressing the Youth Unemployment Crisis

Kenya, like many developing nations, faces a pressing challenge: youth unemployment. According to recent statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, over 50% of the 2.97 million unemployed Kenyans are aged 18 to 29. This alarming rate highlights the urgent need for innovative job-creation strategies.

Leveraging Technology and Social Commerce

Twende Digital leverages technology and social commerce to create opportunities for young people to participate in Kenya’s growing digital economy. By equipping SMEs with digital tools and training, the program enables businesses to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven market.

Joy Mwangi, Co-Founder and COO of Twiva, highlighted the importance of these innovative approaches: “Through innovative tactics like social commerce and influencer marketing, Twende Digital is solving the issue of youth unemployment and transforming how businesses in Kenya reach their markets.

By empowering youth as influencers and digital marketers, we are providing them with dignified work while giving SMEs a competitive edge in this digital age.”

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Twiva, a leading platform in the country, has been pivotal in supporting businesses to go digital through its Twiva app, which offers seamless services for connecting SMEs with influencers and markets.

Businesses can easily access the platform via the Twiva login and enjoy the benefits of digital marketing and outreach. Under the leadership of the Twiva CEO, the company has grown significantly, as evidenced by the many enquiries about Twiva salary structures for its employees.

For more information on KEPSA Kenya’s involvement and future initiatives, businesses can reach out through KEPSA contacts provided on their official website.

A Bright Future for Kenyan Youth

Twende Digital is a testament to the power of partnerships and innovation in addressing the challenges of youth unemployment. By providing young people with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in the digital economy, the program is helping to create a brighter future for Kenya’s youth.

As Twende Digital continues to expand its reach, it is positioned to become a model for other countries facing similar challenges. By investing in youth and technology, Kenya is paving the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future.