Kakuma, June 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
More than 200 residents of Lopur Ward in Turkana West including refugee community, have registered with the National Employment Authority (NEA) to access job opportunities both locally and abroad.
The initiative is part of NEA’s integration into the ongoing Gava Mashinani program — a government-led effort to decentralize essential services to grassroots communities that’s implemented by BOMA.
Michael Musyoki, Manager of the Kakuma Biashara Huduma Centre, echoed the importance of the partnership in improving employment access in underserved regions.
“By integrating employment services into Gava Mashinani, NEA is bridging the gap between job seekers and human resource systems. This effort enhances access to decent work for both host and refugee populations,” Musyoki said.
According to Joel Makori Osando, the NEA Employment Officer for Turkana County, the partnership with Gava Mashinani has enabled effective registration of job seekers in rural areas and guided them on how to professionalize their CVs and connect with available opportunities.
“NEA is committed to creating employment opportunities for all Kenyans and enhancing labour mobility. We are ensuring that residents in marginalized areas can conveniently address unemployment challenges locally, without the burden of long-distance travel or bureaucratic delays,” Osando said.
Osando added that the program particularly targets youth, minorities, and marginalized groups, including refugees.
“So far, 166 individuals have been registered for job seeker accounts, and we expect that number to increase as the exercise progresses,” he noted.
Donatien Nyandwi, a refugee community member and recent beneficiary, praised the initiative for offering direct access to potential employers and providing skills development support.
“We’ve been empowered through services like CV writing, interview preparation, and talent development. We expect to see significant improvement in employment access for Lopur residents,” Nyandwi stated.
