Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from January, 2025

Turkana CECM Calls for Action to Boost Vocational Training Enrolment

Turkana County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Sports, and Social Protection, Willyjustus Lopeyok Akwalata, has called on the management of county-owned Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) to implement robust student recruitment programs aimed at increasing enrolment. During a spot-check visit to various VTCs in Turkana South and Turkana East, Akwalata raised concerns over the low enrolment rates, which have significantly hindered the optimal utilization of available facilities. He emphasized the urgent need to encourage more youth to embrace vocational education as a pathway to economic empowerment and self-reliance. "These facilities are well-equipped to provide practical skills that are crucial for employment and entrepreneurship. However, the low enrolment is a setback to the county’s vision of developing a skilled workforce. We need to be proactive in promoting these centers to the youth and their parents," Akwalata stated. The CEC...

Turkana County to Host World Cancer Day 2025 Commemoration in Kenya

The global fight against cancer will take center stage in Turkana County as the National World Cancer Day is set to be commemorated at Moi Gardens in Lodwar on February 4, 2025. This significant event is being organized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in partnership with the State Department of Health, marking a crucial moment in Kenya’s efforts to create awareness about cancer prevention, treatment, and care. World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, is a unifying platform for the global cancer community to advocate for stronger actions against cancer. This year’s event in Lodwar underscores the importance of inclusivity and equity in healthcare, particularly in regions like Turkana that are often underserved in terms of medical resources. The decision to host the commemoration in Turkana County highlights a significant step in bringing national attention to marginalized communities, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing cancer ...

Affordable Housing Programme Transforming Lives and Creating Opportunities

Affordable housing is a cornerstone of sustainable development, and efforts to address this critical need are yielding impressive results. Under the Affordable Housing Programme, remarkable progress has been made to provide decent and accessible housing to citizens. With 4,800 units currently on sale and 1,080 social housing units ready for immediate occupation, the programme is making a tangible impact in ensuring shelter for many. The scope of the programme extends far beyond completed housing. More than 124,000 housing units are currently under construction, reflecting a commitment to addressing housing shortages on a large scale. This ambitious construction effort is not only transforming lives by providing homes but also generating significant economic opportunities. Over 250,000 youth are employed in these construction projects, showcasing the programme’s role in fostering employment and empowering communities. A testament to the transformative power of st...

Turkana County to Benefit from Kshs 30 Million ILO Investment to Tackle Prosopis Juliflora and Create Green Jobs

Turkana County is set to receive a significant boost with a Kshs 30 million investment from the International Labour Organization (ILO) aimed at addressing the challenges posed by Prosopis Juliflora, an invasive species, while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability. The initiative, a collaboration between the County Government of Turkana, the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), and the ILO, seeks to transform the invasive plant into an economic asset while rehabilitating degraded land in Turkana West. The one-year project is designed to provide sustainable solutions to manage Prosopis Juliflora, a species that has long been a menace to the region due to its rapid spread, which negatively impacts grazing land and biodiversity. However, through this innovative approach, the invasive species will be harnessed as a valuable resource to support livelihoods and restore the ecological balance. Transforming a Challenge into an Opportunity The ...

The Untold Origins of Turkana: A Journey Through Time

The story of Turkana is as vast and intricate as the landscapes it calls home. Nestled in the arid and breathtaking northern region of Kenya, the Turkana community and their land hold the secrets of ancient civilizations, dramatic migrations, and a cultural resilience that continues to inspire. The Birthplace of Humanity Turkana is not just a name; it is a legacy that stretches back millions of years. Dubbed the “Cradle of Humankind,” the region gained global fame when archaeologists unearthed Turkana Boy in 1984 near Lake Turkana. This nearly complete Homo erectus skeleton, dating back 1.6 million years, is one of the most significant fossil discoveries in human history. It positioned Turkana as a vital link in the story of evolution, reminding us that this region bore witness to the dawn of humanity. But long before this scientific acclaim, Turkana was a home—a land of survival, adaptation, and resilience. Its origins are deeply intertwined with the story of its people, who have thri...