Elgeyo Marakwet – The county governments of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot have announced plans to establish a Technical Training Institute (TTI) in Kapsait. This initiative aims to engage idle youth, deterring them from participating in banditry activities, and to foster peace between local communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, each county will contribute Sh10 million towards the establishment of the TTI. This investment represents a 10% contribution from each county, with the national government expected to provide the remaining funds.
Governor Kachapin disclosed plans to allocate these funds through a supplementary budget by February. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to unite the youth and equip them with skills for sustainable livelihoods. The announcement was made during an annual prayer meeting attended by Catholic Bishops, including Dominic Kimengich of the Eldoret Diocese, Henry Juma Odonya of the Kitale Diocese, and Bishop Emeritus Maurice Crowley.
Emphasizing the importance of collective efforts, Governor Kachapin urged professionals and leaders to work together to promote peace in the region. He highlighted the region’s agricultural potential and food security prospects. Both governors expressed that the training institute would enable young people to explore alternative livelihoods beyond livestock farming, which has been a significant source of insecurity in the area.
Governor Rotich encouraged local youths to enroll in the Tujiajiri program, a scheme designed to provide training for online jobs, thereby offering a source of income while waiting for other job opportunities. Additionally, he mentioned the government’s recent investment in road construction equipment to repair damages caused by El Nino rains, facilitating better transportation for farmers to market their produce.
Bishop Kimengich praised the governors for their dedication to peace-building efforts and appealed to politicians to refrain from inciting communities.
