EMPOWERING YOUTH: A KENYAN AUTOMOTIVE COOPERATIVE LED BY YOUNG INNOVATORS

In 2022, a group of former automotive engineering students from Nairobi County’s Eastlands College of Technology (ECT) came together to form the Transparency Auto Worker Cooperative. Their motivation? To tackle the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Kenya. The cooperative, now comprising 22 active members, was born out of a shared vision among these young entrepreneurs. Roy Munyalo, manager of the Informal Sector Business Institute, emphasized the importance of this cooperative model in empowering students post-technical training.Offering a range of automotive services including oil changes, diagnostics, and bodywork, the cooperative strives to provide essential services to the community at reasonable rates. Driven by a desire for independence and income generation, the students united to create a cooperative that not only empowers them as business owners but also allows them to pursue their passions. In a country where 35% of the population is youth and the unemployment rate is 67%, this cooperative provides a platform for automotive enthusiasts to turn their skills into viable income opportunities. John Karika, Secretary of the Transparency Auto Worker Cooperative, highlighted the benefits of entrepreneurship for young people, enabling them to pursue jobs they are passionate about. With support from Global Communities’ Cooperative Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy, and Research (CLEAR) Program, the cooperative chose a local model that emphasizes teamwork and member-driven decision-making. Through CLEAR, members received training on governance, leadership, marketing, and cooperative principles, fostering a culture of inclusivity and participation. Mike Kamau, an ECT student and cooperative member, appreciated the autonomy and responsibility offered by the cooperative model compared to traditional employment.The cooperative’s business model not only boosts members’ confidence in running a business but also expands their social networks, benefiting the broader community. Client testimonials underscore the cooperative’s efficiency, affordability, and quality service, reflecting its positive impact. This initiative, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Global Communities, highlights the potential of youth-led cooperatives in addressing unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship in Kenya.