Isiolo county government plans to open more polytechnics at ward level so that many youth could acquire technical skills to help them take part in the national development in line with the Vision 2030.
Isiolo Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa said that development projects like Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor and Oil Refinery would employ more of the skilled and unskilled youth from the area.
The DG who was speaking to delegates from the Ministry of the East African Community headed by Principal Secretary Dr. Kevit Desai said that Isiolo is better placed for those with skills that could benefit them by earning good money and improving living standards.
Lowassa said that 80 percent of local people were pastoralists who depended on livestock but due to the prevailing drought and cattle theft from the neighbouring Counties, over 50 percent have migrated to urban towns to seek casual labour.
He added that cases of mental health were on the rise in the County and especially in town centres since most people were idle and had turned to hard drugs.
The Principal Secretary said that there were seven regional blocks in East Africa trade and they would create more jobs when the Horn of Africa development projects starts.
Desai said his department has been responsible for amending various business and tax laws that have significantly improved the business and investment climate in Kenya.
He added that Kenyan business improved from position 136 in 2014 to position 56 globally in 2019 when Kenya was ranked as the third most reformed economy in Africa.
The PS said the government has begun to focus on sector specific reforms, value chains and reforms at County government level as well as strategically reviewing and scaling up of the reforms.
He added that the government targets to address priorities identified by the private and public sector players in Kenya in an attempt to uplift living standards and economic growth.
By Abduba Mamo
