Over the past months, young professionals across Kenya participating in the GenKazi program, in partnership with BrighterMonday Kenya and the Mastercard Foundation, have been on a transformative journey of personal and professional growth. Through a series of engaging blog posts and interactive soft skills training sessions, learners have acquired critical tools to help them thrive in the modern workplace. Here’s a look back at the key lessons that have helped GenKazi learners #TakeControl of their career paths.
Table of Contents
1. Mastering Time Management
The journey kicked off with a focus on time management, a cornerstone skill for anyone striving to make meaningful progress in their personal and professional life.
Participants learned that effective time management is not just about getting things done, but about doing the right things, at the right time, with intention and discipline. Through strategies like the Eisenhower Matrix, the Pomodoro Technique, and daily planning, learners explored how to prioritize tasks, avoid burnout, and balance work with rest. The sessions emphasized that time is a non-renewable resource, and managing it wisely can be a game-changer in career advancement.
2. Building Unshakeable Confidence
Week two focused on building confidence, especially for first-time job seekers. The blog underscored that confidence is not something you’re born with—it’s built through preparation, reflection, and support. Through BrighterMonday’s soft skills training, GenKazi learners practiced key competencies such as effective communication, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, which collectively foster a strong sense of self-belief. The training also encouraged goal-setting and self-reflection, helping participants measure their progress and take pride in their development. Importantly, learners were urged to seek out mentorship and peer support, recognizing that confidence grows in community.
3. Crafting a Winning CV
In week three of our blog series, learners turned their attention to one of the most essential job-hunting tools: the CV. The session, Smart CV Hacks That Get You Hired, offered practical advice on how to stand out in a crowded job market.
Learners were taught to tailor their CVs to specific job descriptions, incorporate keywords that align with the employer’s needs, and eliminate unnecessary personal details. They were also encouraged to quantify their achievements—showing impact, not just responsibility. This empowered them to turn their CVs from mere documents into compelling professional narratives that showcase value to potential employers.
4. The Power of Soft Skills
Throughout the training, one consistent message resonated: technical skills may get your foot in the door, but soft skills help you stay and thrive. From teamwork and adaptability to leadership and resilience, soft skills were identified as vital tools that bridge the gap between academic qualifications and real-world success.
Learners were shown how these skills increase their employability, foster positive workplace relationships, and boost overall career satisfaction.
5. Embracing Lifelong Learning
GenKazi participants were encouraged to see themselves as lifelong learners. In today’s fast-changing world of work, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is more important than ever. The program highlighted the importance of staying updated with emerging trends, taking online courses, reading industry-related material, and continuously evolving one’s skill set to remain competitive and adaptable in any professional setting.
6. Staying Authentic and Professional
A key takeaway from the CV and confidence-building sessions was the importance of authenticity. Participants were urged to avoid exaggerating experiences or falsifying credentials. Instead, they were guided to present their genuine strengths with clarity and confidence. Honesty not only builds trust with employers but also ensures that learners are placed in roles that align with their true capabilities—setting them up for long-term success.
A Journey of Transformation
Over these five months, GenKazi learners haven’t just gained skills they’ve experienced a shift in mindset. They’ve moved from uncertainty to clarity, from hesitation to confidence, and from passivity to action. With over 89,322 young people trained and more than 11,910 placed in jobs, the GenKazi and BrighterMonday partnership is making a real, measurable impact.
The journey doesn’t end here. These foundational soft skills are tools to be used, refined, and expanded as learners continue their career journeys. The challenge now is to take what has been learned and apply it boldly in the workplace and beyond.
Your future is in your hands. Take control. Keep learning. Keep growing. And never stop believing in your potential.
