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10,000 Youths From Pastoral Areas to Benefit From Technical Courses

10,000 Youths From Pastoral Areas to Benefit From Technical Courses

The Ujuzi Manyattani initiative by the Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT), launched five years ago, has successfully shifted the livelihood focus of over 1,300 youths in pastoral areas towards technical courses such as mechanical work, hairdressing, plumbing, barbering, tailoring, masonry, and electrical skills.

This move aims to reduce dependency on livestock, a sector vulnerable to cattle rustling and drought.

Tom Lalampaa, CEO of NRT, announced plans to expand the initiative, aiming to train 10,000 youths across Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).

He emphasized the transformative impact on marginalized groups like morans at risk of cattle rustling, single mothers, and those who missed out on education due to lack of support.

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Speaking in Doldol during a graduation ceremony for 200 youths from Laikipia county, Lalampaa urged partners to support their goal of producing 10,000 skilled graduates, 90% of whom are expected to be self-employed, thereby boosting the economies of Northern Kenya and coastal regions.

“My humble plea to all our partners, please support us to achieve this dream of 10,000 youth who will be learning skills and about 90 percent of them will be self-employed. That will change the economy of Northern Kenya and Coastal areas,” said Lalampaa.

Neil Wigan, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, commended the initiative, predicting that the newly skilled graduates would enhance their families’ well-being and serve as role models, inspiring others to pursue technical education.

Silvia Museiya, Wildlife Principal Secretary, highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding youth-led initiatives such as honey farming, addressing the high demand despite inadequate supply. She stressed the need to establish local industries and create opportunities for young people.

Harsama Kello, Principal Secretary for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, aligned the Ujuzi Manyattani initiative with government efforts to empower youth, urging trained youths from pastoral areas to abandon cattle rustling, a historical source of insecurity.

Sarah Korere, Member of Parliament for Laikipia North, praised the graduation of youths with technical skills as evidence that pastoralists can diversify their livelihoods beyond livestock, encouraging school dropouts to seize vocational training opportunities now accessible in their communities.

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Peter Lerapat, a graduate from Laikipia North in hairdressing and beauty skills, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to acquire skills that will allow him to save for further education, alleviating the financial burden on his family. Others who graduated noted that they now had the means to start businesses or find employment.

In addition to their certificates, the graduates received business tool startup kits such as shaving machines, motorcycle repair kits, and cake baking machines, further empowering them to succeed in their chosen fields.

10,000 Youths From Pastoral Areas to Benefit From Technical Courses

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