Leaders in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties have agreed to set up a technical training institute (TTI) on the border of the two counties in a bid to tame banditry that has rocked the area for decades.
Speaking in Kapsait during the annual prayer meeting, leaders from the two counties said a piece of land spreading across both counties has been identified for the establishment of the institution.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said that once established, the learning institution will enable the youth from the area to acquire skills as well as integrate, thus fostering peace and development.
“Skilled youth is the game changer. We have sat down as the leadership and we are all in agreement that a technical institute should be established on this border. Our youth will get skills and at the same time integrate. This will help us stamp out banditry,” he remarked.
He at the same time called on the residents to diversify their economic activities to substitute dependence on livestock keeping, which he said encourages the vice.
His West Pokot counterpart Simon Kachapin said the establishment of the institution is in the final stages, urging parents from both counties to take advantage and enroll their children once it is operationalized.
The event was graced by Catholic Bishops Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret, Henry Juma Odonya of Kitale and Bishop Emeritus Maurice Crowley.
The clergy commended the leadership of the two counties for their efforts to bring peace, calling on the locals to heed the clarion call of shunning banditry.
By Philemon Kiprop
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