Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot County governments plan to establish a Technical Training Institute (TTI) in Kapsait to dissuade idle youth from engaging in banditry activities and foster lasting peace between communities.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin and his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Wisley Rotich pledged that each county will contribute Sh10 million as part of their 10% contribution to establishing the TTI. In contrast, the national government will contribute the rest.
The West Pokot governor plans to allocate funds through a supplementary budget by February, aiming to unite youths and equip them with skills for livelihood. Speaking during an annual prayer meeting, Catholic Bishops Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret, Henry Juma Odonya of Kitale Diocese, and Bishop Emeritus Maurice Crowley graced
Governor Kachapin urges professionals and leaders to unite to promote peace in the area, highlighting its potential for agriculture and food security. The two leaders said the institution will enable youths to diversify their means of earning a living and stop relying on livestock, which is the cause of insecurity in the area.
Governor Rotich called on the youths to enrol in the training on the Tujiajiri programme once it is announced so that they can engage in online jobs, enabling them to earn a living as they await job opportunities. Hence, the government has procured road construction equipment to repair damaged roads caused by recent El Nino rains, enabling farmers to transport their produce to markets.
Bishop Kimengich commended the two governors for their efforts in promoting peace and appealed to politicians to stop inciting communities.
By Alice Wanjiru
