Lodwar, August 5, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The implementation of the Digitally Enabled Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (DEGESI) project in Turkana County has taken a major step forward with a mobilization and awareness workshop for Vocational College Managers.

The training, held in Lodwar, brought together Managers from Lodwar, Kaaleng, Lokori, Lokichoggio, Lorugum, Lokichar, Kalokol, and Kataboi to equip them as master trainers for the Community Digital Champions (CDCs) program.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower marginalized youth aged 18 to 35, particularly those digitally excluded, by equipping them with foundational digital skills to drive transformation at the village level.

To qualify as CDCs, applicants must be residents of their communities, and active smartphone users. They should hold at least a KCSE certificate, be fluent in English, Kiswahili, and the local dialect, and be available to attend a mandatory full-week live virtual training session.

The program targets to train 1,250 CDCs, from which 125 best performers will qualify for scholarships to pursue advanced training.

County Executive for Education, Sports and Social Protection, Leah Audan, while opening the training emphasized the need to embrace digital innovations for self reliance as a tool for changing the longstanding narrative of food aid dependence.

“We want to shift from reliance to resilience therefore embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital literacy, and grassroots empowerment is our way forward,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of clear communication with recruited CDCs about their stipend disbursement which she said will build trust and drive commitment towards the project.

LOKADO’s Executive Director Augustine Kai emphasized on enhanced collaboration with all stakeholders in the project to ensure no youth is left behind.

“Let’s continue encouraging more applications and identifying the best candidates for this transformative program.” Augustine said.

The County Director of TVET, Stephen Eregae, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to the three-month pilot phase of the project, stating that its success will be key to the effective implementation of the project over the next three years.

“The partnership with African Centre for Women in ICT (ACWICT) under a signed MoU gives the program strong recognition, and the CDC model leverages the existing vocational training structures to reach more youth effectively,” he stated.

Upon recruitment, Community Digital Champions (CDCs) will receive a stipend to train local residents on using smartphones, accessing e-Citizen services, applying for jobs, paying bills online, and growing businesses through digital platforms, among other essential digital skills.