Lodwar, 14th June 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

County officials inspected facilities in Turkana Central installed by the government to facilitate access to ICT services for the youth and social protection for survivors of Gender-Based Violence.

The inspection focused on the ICT Resource Centre at Canaan, the Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre (GBVRC) at Canaan, and the Youth Center at Nakwamekwi.

Led by County Executive for Trade, Gender, and Youth Affairs David Erukudi, the inspection team found that the Youth ICT Resource Centre was ready for use. However, the GBVRS center and the youth center are only approximately 50% complete.

CECM David Erukudi highlighted the transformative potential of the Youth ICT Resource Centre, which aims to significantly improve youth livelihoods once fully operational.

“This facility targets the youth. As the ministry responsible for youth affairs, we are negotiating with Finance to transfer management to us,” Erukudi stated.

He added that the centre would promote innovation, help bridge the digital divide, and encourage youth participation in sports and continuous learning.

County Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs, Joseph Epuu, re-echoed the potential positive impact of the facilities as observed by CECM Erukudi.

“The completion and operationalization of these centers will mark a significant milestone in our efforts to empower the youth and support survivors of gender-based violence,” CCO Epuu said.

It is expected that the ICT Centre will open up opportunities for the youth in education, digital marketing, online job,s and entrepreneurship.

On his part, the director of Youth Affairs Ekidor Linus pointed the significance of community engagement in the entire process.

“By involving local communities, there is hope that the end product will most probably align with the needs and aspirations of the targeted beneficiaries,” Director Linus Ekidor said