Lodwar- September 5, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Hundreds of youths from across the county have signed contracts with LOKADO to roll out the Digitally Enabled Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (DEGESI) project.

The first lot, consisting of 246 youths forms the first cohort of the targeted 1,250 Community Digital Champions trained by the African Centre for Women in ICT (ACWICT) to expand digital literacy and online access in the county.

Each champion is expected to train 40 digitally excluded persons for 30 days. These persons include smallholder farmers, women and girls, older adults, and persons with disabilities.

County officials, led by Chief Officer for Sports and Vocational Training Robert Loyelei, hailed the project as a timely step to uplift youth and marginalized groups.

He encouraged the Community Digital Champions to apply training data in guiding their work, remain open to continuous learning, and adapt effectively to different situations.

“Uphold professional ethics and accountability at all times,” CCO Loyelei urged the youths.

LOKADO Executive Director Augustine Kai underscored the long-term opportunities that certified graduates will access. He reminded the Community Digital Champions that their role in training is not only valued but also financially rewarded, with payment linked to the integrity and commitment they bring under the agreement.

County Director of TVET Stephen Eregae underscored the importance of the three-month pilot phase in preparing for countywide implementation over the next three years.

Turkana South Deputy Sub-County Administrator Peter Chichi further pledged to mobilize communities through local administrators to ensure full access to the training.

The programme is expected to reach over 50,000 residents, focusing on device use, online business, government and agricultural platforms, cyber hygiene, e-waste management, and soft skills.