Junior Achievement fuels the entrepreneurs of tomorrow in Kenya

Headquartered in Nairobi, Junior Achievement Kenya is a subsidiary of Junior Achievement Worldwide, one of the world's largest and fastest growing nonprofit organizations committed to preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs for success in a global economy.

Since 1999, Junior Achievement Kenya has reached at least 175,000 students with the support of 17,000 volunteers and 14 branches throughout the country.

Through hands-on training in work-readiness, business and financial literacy, Junior Achievement (JA) works with traditionally underserved youth to give them the tools they need to generate income and effectively manage it.

“We ran a very successful fast foods business and reported more than 100% return on our investment,” reports Steve Biko, a JA Kenya alum, who participated in the organization’s Company Program. One of JA’s most successful initiatives, this program allows students to run and manage their own businesses. For Steve, it gave him the skills and knowledge he would later apply in his professional career.

“I have become a more proactive employee,” he explains. “In our JA company, we never waited for another person to take initiative on our behalf. Whenever we saw an opportunity we pursued it.”

Thanks to experience gained through JA, Steve landed an internship at an international business where he works today as a manager.

“Participating in JA prepared me for work life,” he says. “I am grateful for JA for having given us that opportunity.”

In a country where youth unemployment is as high as 40%, demand for resources like Junior Achievement is growing. Kiva loans will enable the organization to continue to deliver its programs with greater outreach and with a goal of targeting more out-of-school youth.

Make a loan to a Junior Achievement borrower today.

Want to learn more about Junior Achievement? Check out its partner profile page [ADD LINK] or send us an email at blog@kiva.org.