From vocational training to working as a mechanic

In 2026, AVSI Foundation marks 40 years of partnership in Kenya (1986–2026). Among the six stories we have chosen to share for this anniversary, Mornica’s experience illustrates how vocational training and practical experience can create pathways to employment. From studying automotive engineering at St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute to working as a mechanic at Jim Cab, her story highlights the role of technical skills and partnerships with businesses in helping young women enter the profession.

"My name is Mornica Ouru Awiti , and I work as a mechanic at Jim Cab. I am the only woman in our team of five.

Every day, I diagnose vehicle problems, use modern diagnostic equipment and carry out repairs, from basic maintenance to complex mechanical and electrical work. Many customers come through referrals.

But becoming a mechanic was not the career I first imagined.

After high school, I volunteered in Kibera, spending time with children from disadvantaged backgrounds. When my father asked about my future, I mentioned catering or teaching, but my parents were not very supportive of those choices.

A friend then introduced me to St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute. There, I found an opportunity to study automotive engineering through a programme encouraging girls to enter a traditionally male-dominated industry."

"With support from Simba Colt, I enrolled at St. Kizito in 2018 for a two-year programme.

I studied automotive mechanics and electrical systems, alongside entrepreneurship, computer literacy and other life skills. During a three-month industrial attachment, I put that training into practice, working on real mechanical problems.

After completing my training, I was employed by the institution where I had done my attachment. I later moved to Jim Cab."

"One job I remember involved a faulty central locking system.

I dismantled one door and found wires that needed repair. I repaired them, but the system still did not work.

I kept investigating. I checked the connecting cables on another door and carefully followed the wiring until I found the problem. Once it was fixed, the central locking system worked again.

Solving problems like this has helped me become more confident in my abilities. Each repair is also an opportunity to learn."

"My income helps me support my siblings’ education, and I also contribute to community initiatives.

I continue to develop my skills independently, using YouTube to learn about different mechanical problems and ways to solve them.

My ambition is to open my own garage. I also want to encourage other girls to consider opportunities in the informal sector and explore how technical skills can help them earn a living."

Mornica’s experience illustrates the importance of connecting technical training with practical experience and employment. Her time at St. Kizito, supported by Simba Colt, gave her an opportunity to develop skills and apply them in the workplace.

For AVSI, partnerships between training institutions and businesses are central to creating these pathways. They also help expand access for young women entering fields where they remain underrepresented.

Looking ahead, AVSI will continue to work with training institutions, businesses, government and young people to connect skills development with decent work and entrepreneurship. Our commitment is to support training that responds to workplace needs and gives young people opportunities to gain experience, find employment and build their own businesses.

To discover the other stories collected for 40th anniversary of AVSI in Kenya visit the dedicated page.