The rising unemployment rates, economic hardships, and escalating climate change shocks have driven women and youth in Marsabit County to embrace technical and vocational training as a means to acquire survival skills to maneouvre the modern world and job market.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony in Laisamis, where 30 trainees completed various artisan courses under the Mashinani Works programme, the graduates commended the Ujuzi Manyattani Vocational Training Program for providing innovative solutions to tackle unemployment and promote skill-based enterprises among pastoralist communities.
Martha Koiyan, who earned a certificate in Bakery, Cake Making, and Decoration, expressed confidence in her ability to secure contracts for events needing her expertise.
“Today, I walk with my head held high, knowing I can do something meaningful to support my family,” said Ms. Koiyan. She urged the government and other stakeholders to expand vocational training opportunities for women and youth in the region to help them diversify their livelihoods.
Ms. Koiyan is among many pastoralists in Marsabit County who lost over 300,000 livestock, their primary source of income, due to severe droughts between 2019 and 2022. She emphasized the importance of tailored vocational training for livestock farmers, whose lifestyles were severely disrupted by climate change.
She noted that empowering women and increasing access to vocational training programs could reduce gender-based violence often linked to economic hardship. Furthermore, she advocated for equipping women with practical artisan skills as a means to combat patriarchal systems that hinder women’s property ownership rights.
Ms. Koiyan also praised the program for transforming the Morans, traditionally associated with cattle rustling, into skilled artisans contributing positively to their communities.
Dida Fayo, Regional Director of the Northern Rangelands Trust, lauded the growing interest in vocational training among women and youth in pastoralist communities. He expressed optimism that such initiatives would address skill gaps in Marsabit County, which often relies on artisans from other regions.
However, Mr. Fayo raised concerns about the county’s poverty index, which remains above 65%, and its illiteracy rate, which exceeds 75%.
Marsabit County Secretary Hussein Tari also highlighted the role of vocational training in reducing gender-based violence by empowering women to achieve financial independence.
“I strongly believe that the best way to curb gender-based violence in our communities is to economically empower both men and women to provide for their families,” said Tari.
Laisamis MCA Daniel Burcha commended vocational training programs for helping pastoralist households address rampant malnutrition in Laisamis, Moyale, and North Horr sub-counties.
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Since its inception in 2019, Ujuzi Manyattani has trained over 1,523 women and youth in various artisan courses. The program, a collaboration between Kiirua Technical Training Institute and Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College, delivers training directly to villages and conservancies.
Courses offered include tailoring, dressmaking, vessel repair, hairdressing, beauty therapy, masonry, welding, catering, plumbing, electrical and solar installation, motorcycle maintenance, and mobile phone repair.
The program’s impact has extended to adult education as well. During the last Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams, Marsabit County Education Director Peter Magiri noted that 120 women sat for national exams after completing adult learning classes.
In October 2024, former Cabinet Minister Dr. Linah Chebii Kilimo presided over a graduation ceremony at Turbi Complex Primary School, where more than 20 women received certificates in adult learning.
The school, established by global award-winning nurse Anne Qabale, continues to be a beacon of hope for pastoralist communities striving for a brighter future.
By Rodgers Wagura
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