1. (TRCITYE) Centre Programs
Core Centre training delivered across the five strategic sectors: Digital Skills, Innovation & Commercialisation, Entrepreneurship, Green-Blue Economy, and Leadership, Talent & Skills Development.
Programs
Programme Overview
Tana River Innovation Commercialisation, Entrepreneurship & Youth Empowerment
Welcome to the Tana River Innovation Commercialisation, Entrepreneurship & Youth Empowerment program, a foundational step in transforming the Tana River and the coastal innovation ecosystem at large. This programme is designed to guide selected innovators and entrepreneurs through structured capacity-building training to equip them with essential business, innovation, and hands-on skills, preparing them for product and service commercialisation, job opportunities, investment-readiness, and regional impact.
Institution
The Tana River Campus and Centre for Innovation, Training, and Youth Empowerment.
Target Group
Immediate Form Four leavers and community.
Four-Month Crash Course Training Framework (16 Weeks)
3 Cohorts a Year
- Total Duration: 4 Months (16 Weeks)
- Orientation: 1 Week
- Core Training: 10 Weeks
- Specialization Exposure: 4 Weeks
- Assessment, Innovation Showcase & Graduation: 1 Week
Learners wishing to specialize further may apply for an additional 2-month Advanced Specialization & Incubation Programme after graduation.
Problem Statement
The transition immediately after Form Four represents the most critical and vulnerable stage for youth in our community. Most school leavers exit this stage full of hope, anticipating a brighter future ahead. Yet more than 50% of youth in our community fail to realize their ambitions not for lack of desire, but because they lack the guidance, mentorship, and structured support needed to translate that hope into real progress.
Without this support, many young people fall prey to negative peer influence that diverts them from their original goals and ambitions onto entirely different, often destructive paths. Young women are especially vulnerable, with many facing early pregnancy due to limited awareness and access to guidance. Others, regardless of gender, see their progress stall entirely under the weight of family or community expectations and obligations.
This gap makes clear the urgent need for a structured program that intervenes at this exact point in a young person's life, providing direction, mentorship, and opportunity before negative influences take hold. Achieving this also requires deliberate community sensitization: parents and guardians must understand the value of enrolling their children in this programme immediately after completing high school. Particular emphasis will be placed on ensuring equitable access for girls and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), guaranteeing that no young person is excluded from this opportunity because of gender or disability.
Five Key Sectors
- Digital Skills
- Innovation & Commercialisation
- Entrepreneurship
- Green-Blue Economy
- Leadership Capacity Building, Talent & Skills Development
Training Programmes & Durations
Month-by-Month Curriculum
Month One — Week 1: Orientation Programme Mandatory
Duration: 1 Week
- Registration & Centre Orientation
- Programme Overview
- Career Guidance & Goal Setting
- Personal Development & Work Ethics
- Leadership, Team Building & Communication
- Gender, Disability Inclusion & Safeguarding
- Digital Registration & Baseline Assessment
Month One — Digital Skills
i. Foundation of Digital Skills Mandatory
Duration: 3 Weeks (120 Hours)
| Module | Duration |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Digital Literacy | 1 Day |
| Microsoft Office & Google Workspace (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Sheets & Docs) | 6 Days |
| Internet Browsing & Online Research | 2 Days |
| Email & Digital Communication | 1 Day |
| Microsoft Office & Google Workspace Essentials | 1 Day |
| Online Collaboration Tools (Zoom, Google Meet & Teams) | 1 Day |
| Digital Safety, Cybersecurity & Online Privacy | 2 Days |
| Introduction to AI Productivity Tools | 2 Days |
| Social Media & Digital Marketing Basics | 2 Days |
| Cloud Storage & Digital Productivity Tools | 1 Day |
| Digital Financial Services & Mobile Banking | 1 Day |
| Responsible Digital Citizenship & Information Integrity | 1 Day |
Practical assessment is integrated throughout the course.
Month Two
ii. Intermediate Digital Skills Mandatory
Duration: 1 Week (40 Hours)
| Module | Duration |
|---|---|
| Graphic Design & Content Creation | 1 Day |
| Data Management & Analysis | 1 Day |
| Basic Website Development | 1 Day |
| Cybersecurity Awareness & Data Protection | ½ Day |
| Digital Project Management | ½ Day |
| Freelancing & Remote Work Skills | 1 Day |
| Mini Practical Project | 1 Day |
iii. Foundation of Artificial Intelligence Mandatory
Duration: 3 Days
- Introduction to AI
- Prompt Engineering
- ChatGPT, Gemini & Copilot
- AI Ethics
- AI for Business & Productivity
Practical AI Assignment.
Month Two — Innovation & Commercialisation
i. Foundations of Innovation Mandatory
Duration: 2 Weeks
| Module | Duration |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Innovation | 1 Day |
| Types of Innovation | 2 Days |
| Innovation Mindset | 2 Days |
| Human-Centred Design | 2 Days |
| Innovation Journey | 2 Days |
| Introduction to Commercialisation | 2 Days |
| Intellectual Property Basics | 1 Day |
| Innovation for Sustainable Development | 1 Day |
Innovation Challenge and Pitch Exercise.
Month Three
3. Entrepreneurship Programme Mandatory
Duration: 3 Weeks (120 Hours)
| Module | Duration |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Entrepreneurship | 2 Days |
| Business Ideation & Opportunity Identification | 2 Days |
| Business Model Development | 3 Days |
| Market Research & Customer Validation | 2 Days |
| Business Planning | 3 Days |
| Financial Literacy & Business Finance | 3 Days |
| Marketing, Branding & Sales | 3 Days |
| Business Operations & Management | 2 Days |
| Legal & Regulatory Compliance | 1 Day |
Learners develop a complete business plan linked to their innovation or business idea.
4. Leadership & Governance Mandatory
Duration: 1 Week
| Module | Duration |
|---|---|
| Leadership Skills | ½ Day |
| Communication | ½ Day |
| Negotiation | ½ Day |
| Team Management | ½ Day |
| Emotional Intelligence | ½ Day |
| Public Policy & Governance | ½ Day |
| Constitutional Values | ½ Day |
| Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution | ½ Day |
| Negotiation & Diplomacy | ½ Day |
| Public Speaking | 1 Day |
Leadership Simulation Exercise.
Month Four — Specialization Pathways Optional
During the final month, every learner chooses one primary specialization, while also receiving introductory exposure to the other pathways through guest lectures, demonstrations, and field visits.
A. Advanced Digital Skills
Duration: 4 Weeks
Learners choose one specialization:
- Software & Mobile App Development
- Robotics & Internet of Things (IoT)
- Advanced Animation
- Advanced Graphic Design & Content Creation
- Advanced Website Development
- Advanced Cybersecurity
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Extension: Learners requiring deeper technical competency may extend for an additional 2 months.
B. Innovation Ideation & Commercialisation Programme
Duration: 4 Weeks
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Problem Identification & Research | 3 Days |
| Idea Development | 3 Days |
| Validation | 3 Days |
| Prototype Development | 4 Days |
| Product Improvement | 2 Days |
| Intellectual Property Protection | 2 Days |
| Investment Readiness & Funding | 3 Days |
| Market Entry & Scaling | 5 Days |
Final Deliverables: Prototype, Business Model, Investor Pitch.
An optional 2-month incubation extension is available for prototype refinement, market validation, fundraising, and commercialization.
C. Green Economy (Agripreneurship)
Duration: 4 Weeks
| Module | Duration |
|---|---|
| Crop Production & Agronomy | 1 Week |
| Livestock Production & Animal Husbandry | 1 Week |
| Sustainable & Climate-Smart Agriculture | 1 Week |
| Post-Harvest Handling, Value Addition & AgriTech | 1 Week |
Extension Programme: Advanced greenhouse production, hydroponics, irrigation systems, agribusiness incubation, and commercial farming.
D. Blue Economy
Duration: 4 Weeks
| Module | Duration |
|---|---|
| Fisheries Science & Management | 1 Week |
| Aquaculture & Fish Farming | 2 Weeks |
| Sea Farer Opportunities (STCW Orientation) | 1 Week |
Extension Programme: Industry attachment, hatchery management, marine safety certification preparation, and advanced aquaculture practices.
E. Talent Development
Duration: 4 Weeks
| Module | Duration |
|---|---|
| Creative Arts | 1 Week |
| Creative Entrepreneurship | 1 Week |
| Digital & Technical Creative Skills | 1 Week |
| Sports Empowerment | 1 Week |
Extension Programme: Portfolio development, production, mentorship, performances, exhibitions, and commercialization.
F. Maintenance Skills Development
Priority Group: PWDs
Duration: 4 Weeks — learners choose one technical pathway.
| Course | Duration |
|---|---|
| Laptop & Computer Repairs | 4 Weeks |
| Printer Repairs | 4 Weeks |
| Mobile Phone Repairs | 4 Weeks |
| CCTV Surveillance Installation & Monitoring | 4 Weeks |
| Electric Vehicle (EV) Repair & Maintenance | 4 Weeks |
Extension Programme: Advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting, field attachment, and industry certification preparation.
Final Week (Week 16): Innovation Showcase, Assessment & Graduation
- Final Assessments
- Prototype Demonstrations
- Business Plan Presentations
- Innovation & Product Exhibition
- Investor Pitch Competition
- Employer & Industry Networking
- Career Placement Sessions
- Certification & Graduation Ceremony
Two-Month Advanced Extension Programme Optional
Learners who demonstrate commitment and potential may apply for a 2-month Advanced Specialization & Incubation Programme, designed to transition them from learning to enterprise creation or employment.
During the extension, participants will receive:
- Advanced technical training
- One-on-one mentorship
- Prototype refinement
- Industry attachments
- Investor readiness support
- Market validation
- IP, KEBS & business registration assistance
- Commercialization support
This extension will particularly benefit learners pursuing Advanced Digital Skills, Innovation & Commercialisation, Green-Blue Economy, Talent Development, and Maintenance Skills, ensuring they graduate not only with knowledge but with practical competencies, industry exposure, and market-ready products or services.
Program Categories
How Our Programmes Are Organised
2. Partner Programs
Specialized pathways delivered with strategic partners, including the Dariu Tech Club, the Digiken digital-skills programme, and other partner programs.
3. Higher Learning Institutions Collaboration Programs
Collaboration programmes with universities and tertiary institutions to extend certification and progression pathways. Pwani University and Taita Taveta University.
Partner Programs
Partner Programs
i. Dariu Tech Club
By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:
- Identify community challenges and generate innovative projects and solutions.
- Use digital tools and AI to enhance creativity, productivity, and problem-solving.
- Develop and validate business ideas based on market needs.
- Build prototypes and test solutions with real users.
- Understand intellectual property protection and innovation ownership.
- Develop business models and commercialization strategies.
- Package entrepreneurship projects & innovations for pitching, investment, and market opportunities.
- Establish pathways towards entrepreneurship, employment, and partnerships.
ii. Digiken Program
Self-paced online digital-skills pathways for learners and entrepreneurs:
- Foundational Digital Skills (FDS1) — Beginner training covering computer systems, file management, internet safety, media literacy, and digital rights over roughly 8 hours. (Online – Self Paced)
- Intermediate Digital Skills (IDS1) — Practical training on operating systems, databases, cloud tools, cyber security, and data protection under Kenya's laws across about 10.5 hours. (Online – Self Paced)
- Advanced Digital Skills (ADS1) — Introduction to coding, artificial intelligence, digital branding, and automation spanning roughly 8 hours. (Online – Self Paced)
- Digital Skills for MSMEs (DSM1) — Advanced business-focused track covering financial literacy, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and investment readiness over nearly 12 hours. (Online – Self Paced)
Key Program Partners: UNESCO, UN – Women, UNEP & UNCDF.
Higher Learning Institutions
Higher Learning Collaboration Programs
Pwani University
Collaboration programmes will be shared soon.
Taita Taveta University
Collaboration programmes will be shared soon.