Turkana: Youths with disabilities in Turkana are set to benefit from a new three-year program led by Humanity and Inclusion in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. The initiative aims to provide significant support and opportunities to enhance the skills and employment prospects of young people living with disabilities.

According to Kenya News Agency, the program will be implemented in collaboration with three other partners: inABLE, Next Step Foundation, and Riziki Source. Humanity and Inclusion Country Manager, Ms. Margaret Nguhi, introduced the program during a courtesy call to Turkana Deputy Governor, Dr. John Erus. Ms. Nguhi highlighted that Humanity and Inclusion has traditionally focused on refugee and humanitarian efforts but is now extending its reach to support youths with disabilities beyond refugee camps.

The initiative targets 1,500 participants aged between 18 and 40, with a particular emphasis on empowering young women, who will comprise 80% of the beneficiaries. The program's main objectives are to ensure that youths with disabilities have access to dignified and fulfilling work. It will focus on skilling for work, promoting inclusive entrepreneurship, enhancing inclusion and voice, and strengthening the local ecosystem.

Deputy Governor Dr. Erus expressed that expanding social protection to include host communities is a progressive step. He noted that Turkana County has laid the groundwork to ensure that those in need of social protection are included in planning, budgeting, and execution processes. Dr. Erus emphasized the county's commitment to working with partners to eliminate or reduce protection risks.

The announcement was also attended by Deputy County Secretary in charge of administration, Joseph Nyang'a, and Humanity and Inclusion Turkana Area Manager, Mr. David Omondi.