CoELIB Empower's Workforce Development Program aims to create, sustain, and retain a strong workforce for enhanced job performance. The program offers various services, such as internships and industrial attachments, to students, providing them with practical experience and bridging the gap between education and employment. In this episode of Alumni Spotlight, we catch up with Mr. Daniel Kihoro, a media and communication student at Egerton University and one of Kenya's fastest-rising presenters.

Please introduce yourself, the learning institution you are from, the course, and the duration of the attachment/internship.

My name is Daniel Kihoro. I studied Media and Communication at Egerton University and completed a one-year internship at CoELIB.

What were the key takeaways from the Internship in Media and Communications, particularly in TV production?

At CoELIB, I learned various skills such as show hosting, working with youth, editing, and camera operation. These skills are proving useful in my media and communications career today.

Can you provide an example of how the internship directly impacted a project you've worked on, whether in graphics, TV and radio hosting, post-production, broadcasting, or editing?

I work part-time as a camera operator and editor at Kilimo Faida TV, where I use the skills I learned at CoELIB. I also manage Kilimo Faida's social media platforms, updating their Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram pages, which enhanced the communication skills I gained at CoELIB.

How effectively did the program prepare you for your career goals or further academic pursuits in media and communications?

The internship program prepared me for the challenges of media work, including tight deadlines and problem-solving. It has been invaluable in helping me reach my career goals in media and communications.

Reflecting on your expectations before starting the internship/attachment, how did the experience align with them and influence your plans?

Entering the internship, I aspired to become a distinguished TV host and producer. The mentorship and experiences at CoELIB aligned with these expectations and exceeded them, contributing significantly to my professional development. The opportunity to serve as an MC at university events further cemented my passion for media, affirming my belief in the potential for growth and learning in this space. This experience has undoubtedly influenced my career trajectory, instilling a profound appreciation for the power of media and communication.

 Can you detail a project you engaged in during your internship, and are you involved in any ongoing projects?

What challenges did you face during your internship, and how can the program be improved for future participants?

The internship was not without its challenges, notably the reliability of guests for scheduled shows and the occasional need for media staff to prioritize other organizational tasks, resulting in canceled shoots. However, these obstacles were met with a spirit of collaboration within the media team, allowing us to navigate and overcome them effectively. For future enhancements, CoELIB could benefit from implementing strategies to ensure program continuity, even without specific hosts, thereby maintaining a consistent and reliable schedule for viewers and participants alike.

Any final remarks?

My internship at CoELIB has been a journey of substantial personal and professional growth, exceeding my expectations and significantly shaping my career path. The skills I acquired, particularly in TV production, have not only been instrumental in my current roles but have also prepared me for the broader challenges of the media industry.

In addressing the myriad challenges confronting Kenya's youth, the CoELIB Project, through its USAID Empowered Youth program centered its efforts on enhancing youth economic opportunities, bolstering the capacity of Kenyan higher education institutions serving them, and fortifying youth-serving systems.

In this series, we cast a spotlight on Miss Margaret Muia, an individual whose life has been touched by this transformative program and who now stands as a beacon of change in her community and beyond.

Please introduce yourself.

Greetings to all the readers. My name is Margaret Muia, an entrepreneur by trade, proudly supported by the USAID Empowered Youth Program, and above all, a member of Kenya's vibrant youth community.

What were the pivotal takeaways from the entrepreneurship training provided by the Empowered Youth program?

The entrepreneurship training provided by the program imparted crucial knowledge on initiating and managing a business effectively, emphasizing the importance of identifying and catering to a specific niche market.

In what ways did the aforementioned training enhance your entrepreneurial skills and leadership qualities?

This training not only enhanced my entrepreneurial skills but also fostered leadership qualities. It enabled me to establish the African Youth Leadership Forum - a small group, now operating as a NGO, dedicated to empowering young leaders. Moreover, the acquired skills facilitated the successful management of my personal business endeavors.

Could you illustrate a real-life scenario where the knowledge gained from the training positively impacted your endeavors?

The knowledge gained from the training positively boosted my business management practices. It equipped me with the ability to efficiently handle financial aspects such as calculating expenditures, assessing profits, losses, and maintaining balance within my business operations.

Considering the prevalent challenges like unemployment and limited opportunities, how effective do you find youth empowerment initiatives in Kenya?

No doubt, youth empowerment initiatives such as Empowered Youth play a vital role. These programs provide essential skills and resources, offering viable alternatives for young individuals awaiting formal employment opportunities.

Can you delve into the importance of aligning youth with industry demands in sectors experiencing rapid growth?

Encouraging youth to pursue their passions early on and acquire relevant skills aligned with industry demands is crucial. By nurturing their interests and continuously refining their skills, young people can position themselves for success and contribute meaningfully to sectors experiencing rapid growth.

How might proposed measures such as apprenticeships in dairy value-chains and entrepreneurship training contribute to bolstering the economic prospects of young people?

These measures hold immense potential for bolstering the economic prospects of young people. By fostering entrepreneurship, individuals can actively contribute to economic growth, thereby expanding employment opportunities and stimulating overall economic development.

What are your insights on involving youth in pivotal decision-making processes at the county level as a means to fortify systems aimed at serving youth?

Engaging youth in pivotal decision-making processes at the county level is essential for building systems aimed at serving their needs effectively. Given that youth are the future leaders, providing them with platforms to voice their opinions and concerns enables the development of solutions that resonate with their realities and aspirations.

Any last words?

Reflecting on my journey with the CoELIB through the USAID Empowered Youth Program, I am profoundly thankful for the doors it has opened for me. I urge organizations with similar goals not to relent in their efforts to empower youth, not only in Kenya but throughout Africa. To my fellow youth, let's remain vigilant in seeking out and seizing opportunities like these that can propel us toward success and meaningful impact.

Share your empowerment journey with CoLEIB by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CoELIB continues to build the knowledge capacities of diverse youth to leverage their unique skills and catalyze meaningful change. From community-led development to workforce-related growth, CoELIB links the youth to avenues for growth that nurture their potential and fostered a promising future.

Join Mr. Fred Ngala, a beneficiary of the USAID Empowered Youth program - implemented by CoELIB, as he shares his experience during and after capacity-building.

Please introduce yourself:

I am Fred Ngala, a beneficiary of USAID's Empowered Youth program that was implemented by CoELIB. I am an entrepreneur and radio host at CoELIB Radio's "Sports Fever". I'm excited to share my experiences with the Empowered Youth program.

What were the pivotal takeaways from the entrepreneurship training received?

My takeaways were in product development, pitching to potential investors, financial management, and effective product marketing.

In what ways did the training enhance your entrepreneurial skills and leadership qualities?

The training notably enhanced my capabilities, particularly as a business owner. It provided me with invaluable skills and perspectives that benefit both my entrepreneurial endeavors and leadership qualities.

Could you illustrate a real-life scenario where the knowledge gained from the training positively impacted your endeavors?

This happens on a day-to-day basis actually. My proficiency in finance and risk management is great right now. This has resulted in improved financial decision-making and confidence in engaging with investors for necessary support.

Considering the prevalent challenges like unemployment and limited opportunities, how effective do you find youth empowerment initiatives in Kenya?

Youth empowerment initiatives, particularly those fostering entrepreneurship, play a crucial role to self-employment and financial stability. Many individuals who have undergone such programs and initiated their businesses can attest to their economic independence and stability.

How might proposed measures such as apprenticeships and entrepreneurship training contribute to bolstering the economic prospects of young people?

Such measures can empower youth with the necessary business skills to initiate ventures, thereby contributing to economic growth.

What are your insights on involving youth in pivotal decision-making processes at the county level as a means to fortify systems aimed at serving youth?

Youth constitute a significant demographic and thus hold immense potential in shaping country-level decision-making processes. Their empowerment can mitigate unemployment, foster innovation, and ensure that youth-centric services and programs are effectively implemented.

Final words?

I urge my fellow youth to remain proactive and unafraid to share their ideas. You never know who might be listening or reading. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts.

Share your empowerment journey with CoLEIB by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.