Re:BUiLD has partnered with various private sector actors in Nairobi and Kampala to offer clients soft and tailored technical skills.

The partnership also offers clients on-the-job trainings to give them an edge in their pursuit for self-reliance. The clients were seconded by Re:BUiLD for a 3-months on-the-job training. This exposure enhances the employability of placed clients as they gained valuable experience.   Through employer round tables and private sector forums the program brought together private sector firms, policy players and skilled clients to share experiences on the program. This was also a link for the employers to identify skilled clients for employment while also forming a network for the clients. The program works with service industries firms like hotels, supermarkets, beauty and cosmetics chains, and associations that bring skilled people together for sharing of learning.

Progress to date

Since 2021 Re:BUiLD in Nairobi has partnered with 16 private sector employers, consisting of small and medium-sized enterprises. 

As of July 2025, a total of 473 clients (292 female, 181 male) were placed as apprentices with local businesses across sectors including beauty/cosmetics, textiles, food service, engineering, health care, and administration in Nairobi. These 3-month placements were facilitated through Memoranda of Understanding with private companies such as Kenya Textile firms, supermarkets (Coolmart, Tasya Mart), training institutes (Mahanaim Educational), hospitality venues (Grace House Resort, Jari Inn Bistro), media and manufacturing firms which agreed to mentor and train the interns. In Kampala, similarly, refugees , including 121 refugees and 353 host community members. According to the latest wage survey results, 53% of these clients have gained wage employment, with 20% securing formal salaried positions and 35% engaging in self-employment.  

In Kampala, as of July 2025, a total of 170 clients (114 female, 56 male) have apprenticeship services, being trained in trades like welding, mechanics, tailoring, and salon work interned with local artisans and businesses under supervision for several month, including 70 refugees and 100 host community members.

To support those pursuing self-employment after apprenticeships, Re:BUiLD also provided a limited number of start-up kits and micro grants for example, (87 female and 36 male, 66 host community members, 59 refugee)s in Kampala received grants to buy tools/equipment for trades learned, and a post-distribution monitoring found most had utilized the funds to launch or expand small enterprises.

The details are summarized in the table below:

Data source: Re:BUiLD Wage Employment survey as of July 2025