Nairobi: The Turkana County Government has issued a directive for its eight vocational training institutions to revamp their courses to align with industries poised to drive economic growth and eliminate poverty. Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus emphasized the need for these institutions to cease offering generic courses that do not align with job market demands, urging a focus on sectors with significant transformative potential for the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Erus highlighted research identifying fishing, the livestock economy, green energy, minerals, and extractives as key sectors for economic development in Turkana. Speaking at the launch of a two-day forum on the County Vocational Training Strategic Plan in Kakuma, Dr. Erus cautioned that colleges failing to adapt risk producing graduates who cannot find employment.
He illustrated the potential of the Lake Turkana fishing corridor, particularly the stretch between Todonyang and Mugur, which could generate substantial revenue. Dr. Erus urged institutions in Kalokol and Kataboi to offer relevant courses such as boat making, fishing equipment maintenance, and cold chain handling to maintain their relevance.
Dr. Erus noted Turkana is drawing inspiration from successful economies like Germany and Italy, which have aligned vocational training with dominant local industries. He stated that this strategic shift places Turkana at the forefront of the national dialogue on _’The Kenya We Want in the Coming Decades’_ initiated by President William Ruto.
Educationist and ILO consultant Dr. Lawrence Odollo, a contributor to the strategic plan, stressed the importance of proper funding to equip colleges with skilled trainers and modern equipment. He recommended organizing residents into cooperatives along these value chains to ensure job creation and business opportunities for graduates.
ILO Technical Advisor Carolyne Njuki cited previous successes in Turkana where training was aligned with market demand, specifically referencing the certification of artisans in cobblestone technology during the construction of the Lodwar Fresh Produce Market. Njuki affirmed ILO’s commitment to providing labour market data to maintain the relevance of training programs.
Chief Officer Stephen Eregae reported that Turkana operates eight vocational institutions across Lodwar, Kalokol, Kataboi, Lorgum, Lokichar, Lokori, and Lokichoggio, with an enrollment exceeding 2,400 youths. Eregae noted the strategic plan aims to elevate each institution as independent learning and examination centers aligned with their area’s dominant economic activities.
The forum, supported by the International Labour Organization, included members of the County Assembly Committee on Education, Sports and Social Protection, county officials, and development partners. Technical and Vocational Training is a devolved function under the Kenyan Constitution.
