Turkana, ILO Partner on First-Ever Vocational Training Strategy

By Turkana Correspondent 

The County Government of Turkana is partnering with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to create Turkana's first strategic plan for vocational training, aiming to elevate the county’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

This three-year plan, covering 2025–2027, is expected to be finalized by December 2024, with an official launch in January 2025.

The initiative seeks to tackle critical challenges in the vocational training sector, such as low enrollment rates and a prevalent negative perception of technical education among the county’s youth. Currently, thousands of young people in Turkana are eligible for vocational training, yet many hesitate to enroll due to societal views that favor academic pathways over technical skills.

Announcing the partnership, Leah Losiru, Chief Officer for Sports and Vocational Training, said the strategic plan will serve as a "comprehensive and inclusive roadmap" aligned with national education goals and Turkana's nine-point county agenda.

"The partnership with ILO will allow us to reframe vocational training as an attractive, viable option for our youth, equipping them with skills in demand locally," said Losiru.

The plan is expected to bring transformative change to Turkana's eight vocational training centers, boosting enrollment and making technical education a respected choice for young people.

Stephen Eregae, Director of Vocational Training, echoed this vision, urging TVET management teams to embrace the changes the strategic plan promises.

"We are laying a foundation for Turkana's future workforce," he stated. "This draft will undergo extensive consultation with stakeholders to ensure it reflects the community’s needs and ambitions."

A primary goal of the strategy is to align vocational training with labor demands in Turkana. To that end, the plan includes engagement with local employers and industry experts to identify the most-needed skills in sectors like construction, water management, and renewable energy. By aligning curriculum with job market needs, the county hopes to improve employment rates among vocational graduates.

"There is enormous potential for these young people in Turkana's emerging sectors," Losiru added. "We see vocational training as a pathway to stable, fulfilling jobs that can also drive the county's economic growth."

Local employers have welcomed this approach, viewing it as an opportunity to close the skills gap and reduce reliance on outside labor.

The ILO’s support for vocational training in Turkana builds on a history of successful collaborations. Previous joint projects include an upskilling program in cobblestone technology, which trained youth in paving and stone-shaping skills that are still in use in local infrastructure today.

The Lodwar Fresh Produce Market stands as a testament to the fruitful partnership with ILO. The new strategic plan will build on these achievements, drawing from ILO’s expertise in curriculum development, resource mobilization, and workforce training.

"I am grateful for ILO's continued partnership," Eregae noted, adding that ILO's experience will be essential in transforming Turkana's VET landscape. He explained that the new strategy will expand existing programs and introduce additional training based on feedback from local employers and community leaders.

Upon completion, the strategic plan will mark a milestone for Turkana’s vocational education sector, establishing a framework for future advancements. Losiru emphasized the county’s long-term vision, hoping the plan will pave the way for expanded TVET programs and partnerships with both local industry and international organizations.

"With a structured roadmap, we are investing in a future where Turkana’s youth can thrive in careers that meet local and regional demand," she stated.

For Turkana’s young people, this plan could unlock opportunities for meaningful employment, financial independence, and a stronger community. 

As Losiru expressed, "This is not just a plan; it's a commitment to empowering our youth and reshaping Turkana’s future."