Lokichar, April 20, 2026
(Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations(FAO) has launched a six-day workshop of Creating Shared Value with Young People in the Livestock Sector in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (CASHA) project, aimed at training community-based facilitators in personal initiative agribusiness (Pi-Ag).

This psychology-based entrepreneurship program is designed to empower young agripreneurs in arid and semi-arid regions, enhancing their quality of life and contributing to the socio-economic development of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities.

The 29 community-based facilitators (CBFs), selected from Lokiriama, Turkana Central, Turkana West, and Turkana East, will receive practical skills in agripreneurship. The training focuses on building robust businesses, financial preparedness, and the capacity to effectively engage participants in the CASHA project, ultimately fostering sustainable livelihoods.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Irenius Nakadio, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, praised the strategic partnership between the County Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for their role in transforming the agricultural sector.

“The CASHA initiative serves as a catalyst for livestock production, value addition, and job creation for the youth in our County,” Dr. Nakadio stated.

Judy Maina, Youth program officer from FAO, emphasized the importance of a proactive mindset, behavioral change, and strategic thinking as essential components of the personal initiative agribusiness training within the CASHA project.

The CASHA project seeks to create 200,000 dignified jobs for at least 80% young women, alongside 5% for people with disabilities and 5% for refugees and internally displaced persons.

Additionally, the 5-year project funded by MasterCard Foundation aims to transform the livestock sector into a driver of inclusive growth and resilience for young people.

The workshop is supported by FAO in collaboration with a consortium of development partners, including UTUNZI AFRICA, BOMA, E4Impact, Kenya Livestock Market Council, ILRI, SNV and other specialized NGOs.

Present were John Eipa and Joyce Ebenyo (County Department of Livestock Production), Steve Ouma and Brian Mwangi (UTUNZI AFRICA), Patrick Mugi( FAO)
Simon Koloi (Sub County Administrator for Turkana South).