Lodwar- October 8, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Government’s push for digital inclusion has gained new momentum after the Digitally Enabled Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (DeGeSi) project secured vital facilitation and mobility support to speed up its roll out across the county.

The ambitious programme targets over 50,000 residents, equipping them with practical digital skills from device use and online business to e-government services, cyber safety, e-waste management, and soft skills for employability.

The Deputy County Secretary Joseph Nyanga hailed the project under the partnership with the African Centre for Women in ICT (ACWICT) and LOKADO calling it a game-changer in taking digital skills to the last mile.

He said the support will strengthen field operations, monitoring, and accountability, ensuring every Community Digital champion (CDC) makes measurable impact.

Chief Officer for Sports and Vocational Training Robert Loyelei described the DEGESI Project as a digital empowerment towards direct pathway to jobs, innovation, and productivity.

He urged trainees and beneficiaries of the project to tap into online markets and also access government tenders online, stressing that ICT Authority certification is key for credibility.

He also called for the County Government’s incorporation to e-Citizen, saying it will streamline public service delivery through ease of access.

Loyelei added that digital literacy is now woven into vocational training centres preparing youth for a rapidly evolving digital economy.

LOKADO Executive Director Augustine Kai revealed that 722 community digital champions have completed training under ACWICT, marking the first phase of a planned 1,250-strong digital network.

He encouraged village administrators to rally behind the initiative, noting that the added mobility support will enhance outreach and coordination across Turkana’s vast terrain.

County ICT Director Isaac Eregae lauded the DeGeSi initiative, aligning it with the President’s digital transformation agenda.

“Continuous digital literacy training remains essential,” he said, emphasizing that existing County government structures will anchor lasting capacity building.

Joyce Ekai, representing the County Attorney, affirmed that the MoU with LOKADO strengthens government services, adding that digital migration is the new norm especially for effective government services.

DCS Nyanga also directed the Chief Officer for Administration to work with sub-county and village administrators to enhance information flow and ensure communities fully embrace digital tools for learning, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth.

TVET Director Stephen Eregae described the ongoing three-month pilot phase as a strategic test run paving the way for countywide rollout over the next three years