This week, we speak to Simon Wandiri, a graduate beneficiary of the Cycle 2 program under the KEPSA - Kenya Youth Empowerment Project.
Simon Wandiri is currently working with SIM Gas Company a Nairobi based renewable energy contractor as a salesman cum technician, a job he landed just recently.
In the less than three weeks since he was employed, Simon has managed to secure at least seven contracts of not less than ksh.70, 000 for his boss. He adds that among his colleagues- seven in number, none has sold even one contract, a proof that Simon is a force to reckon with in his newly founded career.
Prior to joining the KEPSA- Kenya Youth Empowerment Program, Simon was a form four leaver with only a certificate in computer packages. In his application for KYEP program he chose Information and Communication Technology (ICT) option based on his slight know how on computer applications. He didn’t foresee his career path shifting to renewable energy after a short while. “I don’t regret my decision, I most humbly applaud KYEP for changing my life into better,” said Simon.
Simon says that the two weeks of Life Skills Training (LST) he underwent at Kabete Technical Institute in Nairobi are mostly his reference points. They taught him how to mingle and liaise with various kinds of people including professionals. He adds up by saying that the greatest challenge with the youth lies in lack of necessary life skills that aid in unlocking one’s potential and refreshing the mind to think in a different perspective.
After Life Skills Training, he proceeded to Entrepreneurial Skills Training (EST) where he learnt financial management, entrepreneurship skills and other business innovations that helped prepare him into business world. He later proceeded to Sector Specific Training (SST) and specialized in the energy sector field at Graffins College. This is where his life started taking a new turn. During the SST he underwent training on renewable energy- biogas construction and installations as well as solar installations.
“When the time for workplace experience reached, I was attached to the Chogo Gas Company, a biogas energy expert with networks in Nairobi region and its environs. I actively took part in surveys, marketing and technical part of biogas base construction and installations to various clients, an experience that gave me an insight into my new found career.” Said Simon.
After his internship with Chogo Gas Company, through a friend, he later got an interview with SIM gas company- another renewable energy contractor based in Nairobi. He successfully passed the interview and signed a one year contract with them. Barely a month old, he talks of a great future and applauds his success to the KYEP program.
He signs off by wishing the KYEP youths all best in their future endeavors.