Safaricom unveils ‘Hook Sacco’ initiative to ignite youth empowerment in Kenya

By Christine Ngitori

In a groundbreaking effort to combat youth unemployment and foster empowerment, Safaricom has officially launched the ‘Hook Sacco’ initiative, designed to mentor and create job opportunities for young Kenyans.

The vibrant launch event, hosted at Chuka University, drew an impressive crowd and showcased the community’s eagerness for this empowering program.

Flavia Othimu, the Segments Marketing Tribe lead at Safaricom, stressed the significance of engaging the country’s youth, who comprise 60% of Kenya’s population.

“We refuse to leave the youth behind. Our mission is to connect them with opportunities and empower them to succeed,” Othimu asserted.

The ‘Hook Sacco’ initiative is built around three pivotal pillars: Technology, Careers, and Culture. Under the technology pillar, the initiative will integrate youth into Safaricom’s digital ecosystem, offering access to employment opportunities through apps. Experienced mentors will guide them in monetizing their skills while educating them on how to navigate the digital landscape.

The careers aspect of the initiative focuses on providing mentorship and training that aligns young participants’ career aspirations with practical skills, preparing them for both formal and informal job markets.

Additionally, the culture pillar aims to engage youth in cultural endeavors, allowing them to express their creativity and potentially generate income through their passions.

Othimu highlighted an ambitious goal-to reach and empower 7 million young Kenyans.

 “Even if they don’t land formal jobs, we want to equip them with the tools to become self-sufficient and thrive,” she emphasized.

The event at Chuka University underscored Safaricom’s dedication to youth empowerment, featuring a lineup of partners and experts offering masterclasses and mentorship sessions.

The ‘Hook Sacco’ initiative is poised to be a game-changer, equipping young Kenyans with the resources and support needed to forge successful futures.