By Kipilat Kaptuya
In the remote Masol Conservancy along the border of West Pokot and Turkana counties, 28 young men and women are in a celebratory mood after successfully completing a three months vocational training programme dubbed Ujuzi Manyattani.
The programme was implemented by the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) with funds from the USAID.
The training took place at the Laikipia North Technical Training Institute and it seeks to equip the youth with alternative opportunities to diversify their livelihoods as well as mitigate ongoing poverty and conflict cycles.
Kadir Boru, NRT West Regional Director, said they have awarded certificates to the graduands after realizing that there is need for other technical institutions to offer affordable courses to marginalized communities for development to be realized.
“We have embarked on empowering and engaging pastoralist communities in marginalized areas by providing them with skills for alternative sources of livelihood,” he said.
Mr. Boru pointed out that through the Masol community conservancy where NRT operates, they will ensure that community members are trained on short courses like catering, electric and solar installation, tailoring among other courses.
Peter Nguno, NRT coordinator on Ujuzi Manyatani, said that since the introduction of the training, there has been great improvement and change of mindset from trainees from warring communities.
“We’re training them to shun engaging in vices like banditry and cattle rustling activities. I am certain that only education and skills empowerment will bring a reduction to the perennial insecurity experienced in nomadic communities,” he said.
He said that by placing trainers in communities, Ujuzi Manyattani provides access to learning for people from disadvantaged socio- economic backgrounds and those who have not been able to access formal education.
“Once the youth are engaged in social economic activities, peace and tranquility will prevail among Nomadic communities,” he said
He added that the programme enables pastoralists to acquire practical vocational skills where other training facilities are absent, without disrupting their way of life
“We are glad to not only empower communities in Northern Kenya to protect their wild spaces through the community conservation model, but to also enable them to have various alternatives to grasp all economic empowerment opportunities,” he said.
Erick Okacha, Sigor Division Assistant County Commissioner, applauded NRT for the training, adding that the organization has contributed immensely to the prevailing peace along the West Pokot -Turkana border.
The graduands promised to bring change to the society, adding that they have been given a fresh start to do more. During the event, they were also given tools of work like sewing machines and electrical appliances.
