Lodwar, April 22, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Directorate for Energy and Mineral Resources and Turkana University College will launch a curriculum in 2025 that will lead to the awarding of certificates and diplomas in renewable energy technologies. This will support the development of local expertise in renewable energy value chains, which is critical to Turkana’s development objectives and environmental sustainability.
The draft curriculum is presently being reviewed by the Varsity College in Lodwar, with the goal of improving the final product to meet industry standards.
At the review meeting, the Director of Energy Jackson Lojore noted that the county would be the first benefactor of the program. This is because the manpower generated will give valuable services to the sector.
The Director reaffirmed the county’s commitment to supporting the use of renewable energy sources to meet development needs in line with Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai’s nine-point agenda to transform Turkana.
“We will support the development of this program by taking part in the stakeholders’ validation process and engaging the university on industrial attachments for a more holistic development of the would-be graduates,” stated the director.
Turkana University College Principal Prof. Cheminingwa clarified that the curriculum making process was at its final stages, emphasizing that the involvement of the County and all sector players was crucial for creation of an all-inclusive industry relevant program.
“We anticipate enrolling the first group of students for diplomas and certificates in Renewable Energy Technology early next year. This is also in line with our pursuit for upgrade into a full university upon receipt of our charter,” said Prof. Cheminingwa.
According to a letter from the university, the program is also being designed in partnership with GiZ under the Energy Solutions for Displacement Settings (ESDS) project.
The roll out of the program also promises to attract fundings and partnerships capable of elevating Turkana University College to a research hub for renewable energy technologies and related value chains.
Present in the forum included Dr Peter Edome, (Dean School of Sciences at Turkana University College), Veronicah Teranoi (GIZ focal person, ESDS program), Hosea Emeripus (Principal Administrator Department of Energy, Mining and Petroleum), and Jacob Mutua (Principal Environment Officer).
