Lokichar Aberu Kori group has received a certificate of registration as a cooperative society focussing on beadwork in Turkana South.

While issuing the certificate today at Lokichar in the presence of areas’ sub County Administrator Esther Lokitoe, Benson Akol the Director of cooperatives and Marketing assured the group that the County would back initiatives for strengthening leadership and governance capacity as well as market presence.

Director Akol also called on the group to use their new legal status to create a value chain that integrates patent protection and promotion of the unique local identity.

The director further described cooperative societies as resources and urged residents of Turkana to use them as vehicles for poverty eradication, employment creation and reducing the high level of dependency on donor support.

Additionally, the director lauded World Vision IMARA program for supporting the groups’ registration process in addition to capacity enhancement of members on various sectors.

Turkana South sub county administrator Esther Lokitoe lauded Aberu Kori for setting a benchmark for all other groups aspiring to register as cooperatives in the future.

The administrator reiterated the need for aggressive marketing and urged the group to frequent meetings and set up sales points at all strategic locations.

Esther also promised to serve the group with information in respect to events and meetings in Turkana south to facilitate market entry.

On his part, Dr. Charles Odhiambo Manager of World Vision IMARA program urged the group to embrace integration and also venture into Eco-Tourism, peace and conflict resolution and conservation of natural resources in a bid to forestall climate change-related shocks.

Dr. Odhiambo described the registration as a new door towards financial and economic inclusion of women and girls in Turkana South and the entire county.

Dr. Odhiambo promised to continue working for the benefit of the group in collaboration with the county departments and donor agencies.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Josephine Akiru the groups’ chair lady said that the group had included women of all ages and status for diversity and prosperity.

While appreciating the County and World Vision for supporting their registration, capacity enhancement and sponsorship to exposure programs since 2018, Josephine Akiru said that the group had sufficiently acquired the motivation to move forward.

The event was also attended and addressed by Benjamin Logiron Turkanaa South cooperatives officer), Philemon Kimosop (Technical Specialist, Market system IMARA. World Vision,) and Dorcas Munyes (Turkana South Natural Resources Officer).