Lodwar, March 16, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Youth in Turkana are set to benefit from a United Nations-supported program aimed at equipping young people with skills to boost employability and enhance their participation in civic engagement.

The initiative, to be implemented by Youth for Sustainable World (YSW) and Mentazo with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is awaiting approval from the Turkana County Government following a partnership request.

The program seeks to promote digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on creating opportunities for young people, women and persons living with disabilities.

Speaking during discussions on the proposed partnership, County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Gender and Youth Affairs Wangiros James said the county is keen on expanding opportunities for youth, particularly in the digital space.

“The County welcomes partnerships that empower the youth with skills and opportunities in the digital space. Collaborating with YSW and Mentazo will be of great advantage to our youth,” he said.

Director for ICT Isaac Eregae noted that the county has already invested in ICT hubs and urged the implementing partners to leverage the existing infrastructure to maximize impact.

Deputy Director for Gender Mollen Onderi highlighted the program’s inclusive approach, noting that it presents an opportunity to empower women and persons living with disabilities through targeted skills development and innovation support.

YSW Team Lead Masika Mwinyi said the organization brings decades of experience in implementing youth-focused programs across several countries, expressing confidence in the program’s potential impact in Turkana.

He added that the program design will be informed by lessons from existing initiatives, including Start-Up Lions in Loropio and the Turkana Tech Hub, with a focus on scaling inclusive innovation and skills development.

Directorates of Early Childhood Education, Social Protection, Economic Planning and Trade were also represented