Huru Expands Skills Development Program With Caritas To Empower Women Entrepreneurs
Nairobi, Kenya — June 2025 — Huru International has announced an enhancement of its Skills Development Program (SDP) to include financial literacy training, access to micro-loans, savings support, and business mentorship for its graduates. This initiative, being launched in partnership with Caritas Microfinance Bank, gives young entrepreneurs the support they need to move beyond skills training—to build income-generating businesses and long-term financial independence.
Caritas Microfinance Bank and Huru International partner to support local women entrepreneurs
The program aims to complement Huru’s core vocational training in garment production by equipping graduates with foundational financial skills and access to tools that may support the growth of income-generating activities.
“We’ve always known that training alone isn’t enough. This expansion is about making sure our graduates have the tools, access, and support to take control of their futures. It’s a major next step—not just for the program, but for the women we serve.”
Wanjiru Kepha, Country Director–Kenya at Huru International
The expansion will initially support alumni of the SDP—many of whom were trained under Mending A Life, a philanthropic initiative that has supported 16 graduating classes to date. Going forward, all new graduates will benefit from additional resources, including:
Financial literacy training covering budgeting, savings, recordkeeping, and income planning
Access to microloans to help launch dressmaking businesses or scale existing work
Group lending and savings support, using peer-based financial models
Tailored business mentorship to guide graduates through the first steps of entrepreneurship
“Caritas Microfinance Bank is proud to partner with Huru International to help young women take the next step after training. Our mission is to bring ethical, inclusive financial tools to people who need them most–and that aligns powerfully with Huru’s work.”
David Makaru, Chief Executive Officer at Caritas Microfinance Bank
The expansion builds on the success of Huru’s core Skills Development Program, which was launched in 2019 to support young women who were forced to leave school due to hardship, without a clear way forward. For them, the road to independence is often uncertain, and work that can support themselves and their families is hard to come by.
Since its launch, more than 400 women have completed the program. Over the four (4) month training, students receive hands-on training in garment production, including: machine sewing; textile finishing; and patternmaking, as well as basic financial literacy and health education. Our graduates leave the program fully prepared for employment in Kenya’s growing apparel sector. Many have passed Kenya’s National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) certification exam and gone on to find stable employment or start small businesses in their communities.
This latest program enhancement reflects Huru International’s continued commitment to holistic support for young women—extending beyond skills training to include the financial and business tools needed to sustainable livelihood.
About Huru International
Huru International has been at the forefront of empowering East African girls and young women through menstrual health education and resources since 2008, ensuring that young women receive the support they need to manage their menstrual health with confidence. In addition to its work in menstrual health, Huru equips girls and young women with tools to stay in school, access opportunity, and build independent futures.
About Caritas Microfinance Bank
Caritas Microfinance Bank is a leading microfinance institution in Kenya, providing ethical, affordable, and customer-focused financial services. With a mission to serve low-income and marginalized populations, Caritas promotes financial inclusion through credit, savings, insurance, and training. Learn more at www.caritas-mfb.co.ke.