The County government and Turkana South Peace Actors Forum have launched an initiative to recruit 60 vulnerable youths to a vocational skills development program that will begin early next year.
According to Esther Lokitoe, the sub-county administrator in the area, the move will provide target groups with employability and self-sustenance skills and discourage them from participating in raids and counter-raids.
In addition to World Vision Kenya's support, the sub-county official disclosed that the initiative had the backing of local peace committees, the Ministry of Interior through the Deputy County Commissioner, and the respective Assistant County Commissioners for Kaputir and look at.
The Administrator, Esther Lokitoe, noted that youths from Lobokat and Kaputir would be the primary beneficiaries of this phase. She pledged to engage more peace actors to include the entire sub-county.
According to Dr. Charles Odhiambo, the manager of World
Vision's IMARA program, the lack of employability and self-sustenance skills
among the youth is a major contributor to behaviors such as cattle rustling and
banditry.
Similar programs have been successful in transforming peace spoilers, sometimes referred to as warriors, into valuable community resources. They have also promoted peaceful coexistence between neighboring communities.
Dr. Odhiambo further noted that World Vision Kenya in Turkana South was also working with TUPADO and IRC on a project aimed at finding lasting peace between Turkana in the area and the neighboring communities.
The meeting resolved to create an all-inclusive selection committee to ensure that the available scholarships are distributed equitably to deserving individuals.
Dr. Odhiambo also said that the vocational skills training would be tailored to include enterprise development, business communication, financial literacy, and linkages for funding over six months.
The meeting was also attended and addressed by Simon Mutai (DCC Turkana South), Sarah Lochodo (Chief Kainuk Location), and various village administrators.
