The Maiyanat Indigenous Youth Life Skills and Cultural Development Centre, situated in n the heart of Laikipia North, a new training centre is offering hope to youth who were left out of formal education.
The training centre is unique place where leaners gain practical skills while preserving traditional knowledge that has been passed down for generations.
The centre which was started through a partnership between Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College and a community-based organization, IMPACT (Indigenous Movement for Peace Advancement and Conflict Transformation) with the main goal of supporting vulnerable groups, especially from pastoralist communities, who have low chances of joining regular colleges due to poverty, early responsibilities, and remote living conditions.
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So far, 47 young people have graduated from the centre, going out fully trained in skills such as plumbing, carpentry, masonry, hairdressing, and electrical work. The graduands also go home with indigenous knowledge—like herbal medicine, traditional farming methods, and cultural practices—to help preserve local heritage.
According to the institution’s head, Jason Njane, the centre focuses on what the local community needs most.
“We realized there is a wealth of traditional knowledge in our communities, but it’s not written down or passed on. We’ve included it in our training so the next generation can learn and benefit from it,” said Njane.
He added that the courses are designed based on what jobs and services are most needed in the area, making it easier for the trainees to use their skills immediately.
Elizabeth Silakan, an official from IMPACT, said the centre was set up to fill the gap caused by low education levels in northern Kenya.
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“Many of our youth didn’t attend school because of things like poverty or long distances to schools. But that doesn’t mean they can’t succeed. We give them another chance to learn practical skills and improve their lives,” she said.
Although the government set up vocational training colleges across the country nearly a decade ago, many of them have suffered from low enrolment. Challenges like lack of boarding facilities, long travel distances, and limited funding have made it hard for rural youth to access them. As a result, many have opted for private colleges in urban centres
But in Laikipia North, the Maiyanat centre is proving that bringing education closer to the community and making it relevant to their way of life.
By Benedict Aoya
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