Kakuma- March 5, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

A strategic plan aimed at transforming eight vocational training institutions in Turkana into skilled, competitive, and sustainable workforce development sources, has been validated. This plan was validated by a joint county executive and assembly committee on education, as well as vocational training managers and development partners.

Once adopted, the three-year plan will tackle low enrollment rates, improve perceptions of vocational training, and the misalignment between training programs and labour force needs.

The implementation is set to begin in the 2025-2026 financial year, soon after the public participation process.

Speaking during the meeting, Acting County Secretary Joseph Nyanga lauded the milestone, attributing its success to partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), which has worked closely with the education department to reform the vocational training sector.

“The county government is committed to strengthening vocational training. This strategic plan aligns with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), Vision 2030, and other legal frameworks,” DCS Nyanga said.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Social Protection, and Sports, Willyjustus Elim Lopeyok, emphasized the need to enhance public awareness of vocational training institutions.

“I propose that going forward, all vocational training centers to hold a joint graduation ceremony, positioning them as viable institutions for skills development and employment,” CECM Lopeyok stated.

During the document review process, stakeholders recommended the establishment of fully-fledged ICT labs in all institutions to improve digital literacy, ensuring that trainees acquire relevant technological skills.

Additionally, the stakeholders also proposed conducting continuous labour market surveys to align training programs with the current industry demands and provide students with the best possible employment prospects.

Another crucial recommendation was to grant vocational training centers greater autonomy in forming partnerships and mobilizing resources, allowing them to strengthen financial stability and expand opportunities for learners.

Speaking on behalf of vocational training institution managers, Jecinta Akal of Lokichoggio VTC noted that the plan’s focus on digital literacy and talent development made its validation seamless.

“We are hopeful that this document will soon be approved to kickstart the journey of harnessing the full potential of vocational training centers in Turkana,” she said.

Dr Lawrence Odollo, a consultant with ILO, echoed these sentiments, stating that the next step is formal approval to pave the way for implementation.

“This is a forward-looking strategic plan that not only enables the rapid growth of vocational training institutions but also ensures their financial sustainability. This is the right direction for Turkana,” he said.”I propose that going forward, all vocational training centers to hold a joint graduation ceremony, positioning them as viable institutions for skills development and employment,” CECM Lopeyok stated.

During the document review process, stakeholders recommended the establishment of fully-fledged ICT labs in all institutions to improve digital literacy, ensuring that trainees acquire relevant technological skills.

Additionally, the stakeholders also proposed conducting continuous labour market surveys to align training programs with the current industry demands and provide students with the best possible employment prospects.

Another crucial recommendation was to grant vocational training centers greater autonomy in forming partnerships and mobilizing resources, allowing them to strengthen financial stability and expand opportunities for learners.

Speaking on behalf of vocational training institution managers, Jecinta Akal of Lokichoggio VTC noted that the plan’s focus on digital literacy and talent development made its validation seamless.

“We are hopeful that this document will soon be approved to kickstart the journey of harnessing the full potential of vocational training centers in Turkana,” she said.

Dr Lawrence Odollo, a consultant with ILO, echoed these sentiments, stating that the next step is formal approval to pave the way for implementation.

“This is a forward-looking strategic plan that not only enables the rapid growth of vocational training institutions but also ensures their financial sustainability. This is the right direction for Turkana,” he said.

The validation exercise was attended by Education Committee members of the Turkana County Assembly, including Chairperson Ekaale Aemun, members Lawrence Lopayo, and Eliud Emoni.

Other key participants included Leah Losiru (Chief Officer, Sports and Vocational Training), Stephen Eregae (Director, Vocational Training), Jeremiah Loyapan (Deputy Director, Vocational Training), and Stephen Mwangi and Augustine Nasombo from ILO.