By Wasike Elvis
In the heart of western Kenya, where unemployment and poverty continue to challenge the dreams of many, a new dawn is breaking — one of skills, empowerment, and hope. Leading this movement is Penny Tuppence Charity Enterprise, a UK-based organization now making a lasting impact in the counties of Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, and Mount Elgon.
At the helm is Andrew McCalion, the visionary founder and CEO of Penny Tuppence, whose passion for grassroots empowerment has led him to Kenya to invest in people, not just projects. McCalion’s message is clear: there are no strings attached — just a deep commitment to changing lives.
“We have come to Kenya to help as many people as we can,” McCalion said during a community event in Eldoret. “We have no hidden agenda whatsoever. We’re not here for profit or fame — we’re here because we believe in the potential of Kenyans. We believe that when you equip people with skills, you give them the keys to unlock their own future.”
The charity has rolled out free vocational training programs targeting vulnerable groups, including widows, youth, children, and low-income families. With donations of tools and machinery, the programs cover a wide range of skills — from welding, carpentry, and tailoring, to food production, packaging, and sewing.
“All of this is to ensure that these groups don’t remain dependent, but become self-sufficient,” McCalion added. “If you give someone the right training and tools, they don’t have to beg or look abroad for opportunities. Kenya has enough — and if utilized well, Kenyans will not need to leave their own country in search of jobs.”
The Power of Partnership: Faith Meets Action
Working alongside McCalion is Pastor Dennis Taskin, leader of the Voice of Redemption Ministries, which has partnered with Penny Tuppence to integrate faith-based outreach with hands-on empowerment.
“Andrew came to Eldoret to empower not just the church, but the whole community,” said Pastor Taskin. “He brought sewing machines, welding equipment, and helped us launch a training program that specifically targets widows and unemployed youth.”
Their joint vision is both spiritual and practical — spreading the gospel while simultaneously offering tangible support to break the cycle of poverty. Voice of Redemption now operates training centers in both Bungoma and Mount Elgon, and aims to scale up across more counties.
“We preach hope, but we also provide tools. Our next intake will begin soon, and we invite low-income individuals to join our classes. After training, we either help place them in jobs or support them in starting their own businesses,” Pastor Taskin said.
The faith-based aspect of the initiative adds another layer of community trust and engagement, making it easier to reach those most in need.
Real Lives, Real Change
The true impact of the initiative is best told through the voices of the beneficiaries themselves — individuals whose lives have been transformed through skill training and mentorship.
David Malenya, a young man from the area, described his journey with emotion and gratitude.
“I joined this group and learned to prepare natural, healthy foods — meals that even those with chronic illnesses can safely consume,” he said. “Many young people complain that there are no jobs, but here is an opportunity. Come learn a skill, and you will make money, help your family, and uplift the entire community. We are the leaders of tomorrow, and we need to act like it.”
Malenya also called on the government to support such community-led initiatives.
“These kinds of programs reduce unemployment. They reduce crime. They give hope. If the government can partner with such efforts, we’ll go even further.”
Fredrick Wamalwa, another participant, echoed this call. Before joining the program, he had no skills. Today, he is a trained carpenter with steady work and new confidence.
“I came here knowing nothing. But now I can build furniture, I can work and earn. Youths out there should stop waiting — come and be trained. You will find joy and employment,” said Wamalwa. “I also urge the government: please sponsor more youth to join. This is the solution to joblessness.”
Expanding the Vision: Beyond Vocational Training
While the current programs focus on skill development, McCalion and his team have a broader vision for Kenya. Penny Tuppence is already exploring solutions in renewable energy (biogas), road infrastructure, affordable insurance, and health care accessibility.
“We don’t just stop at carpentry and tailoring,” McCalion explained. “We are working on initiatives that address Kenya’s systemic challenges. Imagine community-led biogas systems, roads built and maintained by trained local workers, affordable health insurance for every home. It’s possible — but we must start with the people.”
He also emphasized the importance of time management and mindset change as key tools for transformation.
“Kenyans are losing millions in wasted time and untapped potential. Time is your greatest resource. Learn to manage it, learn to invest it wisely — and the results will be enormous,” McCalion urged.
The Road Ahead: A Call to Action
As the classes expand and more tools arrive, thousands of Kenyans stand to benefit from the ongoing work of Penny Tuppence Charity and its partners. But the success of the initiative also depends on local involvement, government collaboration, and continued investment in people over politics.
“We’re planting seeds today,” said Pastor Taskin. “And tomorrow, we’ll harvest a generation of skilled, empowered, and self-reliant Kenyans. The journey has just begun — and we welcome everyone to be part of it.”
For those like David Malenya and Fredrick Wamalwa, the journey has already begun — and their stories are just the first of many.
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