UN Launches Major Skills Programme for Youth in Kenya's Largest Refugee-Hosting County
Lodwar, 18 March 2026
Turkana County’s 77,000 square kilometres now hosts a groundbreaking United Nations-backed skills development initiative targeting young people in one of Kenya’s most challenging regions. The programme, implemented through Youth for Sustainable World and Mentazo organisations, focuses on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation to boost youth employability and civic participation. What makes this particularly significant is Turkana’s dual role as Kenya’s second-largest county and a major refugee-hosting area, where enhanced skills development could transform economic prospects for both local youth and displaced populations seeking sustainable livelihoods in this culturally rich but economically marginalised region.
Programme Details and Partnership Structure
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is supporting the skills development initiative, which was announced on 16 March 2026 and is currently awaiting approval from the Turkana County Government following a formal partnership request [1]. The programme will be delivered through a collaboration between Youth for Sustainable World (YSW) and Mentazo, two organisations with established experience in youth development programmes [1]. County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Gender and Youth Affairs Wangiros James expressed the county’s enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that ‘The County welcomes partnerships that empower the youth with skills and opportunities in the digital space. Collaborating with YSW and Mentazo will be of great advantage to our youth’ [1].
Focus on Digital Innovation and Inclusion
The programme’s core objectives centre on promoting digital skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with particular emphasis on creating opportunities for young people, women, and persons living with disabilities [1]. Director for ICT Isaac Eregae highlighted that Turkana County has already invested significantly in ICT infrastructure, including established ICT hubs, and urged the implementing partners to leverage this existing infrastructure to maximise the programme’s impact [1]. This strategic approach aims to build upon current technological foundations rather than starting from scratch, potentially accelerating the programme’s effectiveness.
Inclusive Approach Targets Marginalised Groups
Deputy Director for Gender Mollen Onderi emphasised the programme’s inclusive design, noting that it presents a significant opportunity to empower women and persons living with disabilities through targeted skills development and innovation support [1]. This focus on marginalised groups is particularly relevant in Turkana County, where traditional economic structures may limit opportunities for these populations. The programme’s inclusive framework aligns with broader development goals of ensuring no one is left behind in economic advancement initiatives.
Building on Existing Success Stories
YSW Team Lead Masika Mwinyi expressed confidence in the programme’s potential impact, citing the organisation’s decades of experience implementing youth-focused programmes across several countries [1]. The programme design will draw lessons from existing local initiatives, including the Start-Up Lions programme in Loropio and the Turkana Tech Hub, with a focus on scaling inclusive innovation and skills development [1]. This evidence-based approach suggests the initiative will benefit from proven methodologies adapted to Turkana’s specific context. The programme comes at a time when Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has called for urgent investment in skills development to prepare local youth for employment opportunities expected from renewed oil and gas exploration in the South Lokichar basin [2], indicating broader economic transformation underway in the region.