Turkana County Agribusiness Groups Complete Gender-Focused Training Programme
Lodwar, 10 April 2026
Agricultural groups in Kenya’s second-largest county have finished intensive training on gender-responsive business practices, with local officials emphasising available county funding opportunities for scaling operations.
Training Programme Details and Participating Groups
The three-day Training of Trainers workshop concluded on 10 April 2026 in Lodwar, bringing together agribusiness groups from Loima and Turkana Central sub-counties [1]. The programme was funded by BMZ with GIZ as the lead partner and implemented by TUPADO, focusing specifically on ‘Gender Makes Business Sense (GmBS)’ methodologies [1]. Participating groups included the Kaipoo Women Group, Ayanae Angidero Development Initiative, Nazarene Tonyotu Group, and Ng’amor Nyang’ayek Group [1]. The training took place in Turkana County, which spans 77,000 square kilometres and ranks as Kenya’s second-largest county by area [1].
Comprehensive Curriculum Addressing Rural Development Challenges
The workshop curriculum covered critical areas including gender dynamics in agriculture, power structures within communities, women’s empowerment strategies, and gender-transformative change initiatives [1]. Participants also received training on mental models specific to pastoralist communities, record-keeping systems, and market linkage strategies [1]. Francis Ekaru, GIZ Rural Development Advisor, emphasised that incorporating gender perspectives in rural economic development leads directly to improved household incomes across the region [1]. The programme represents a targeted approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by agribusiness enterprises in Kenya’s north-western region.
County Financial Support and Implementation Strategy
Winnie Loposh, Director for Trade and Enterprises in Turkana County, urged participants to actively utilise available county financial mechanisms to expand their operations [1]. ‘The County Biashara Fund and cooperative funds are available. Do not sit back apply, access capital, and scale up your businesses,’ Loposh stated during the workshop [1]. David Kang’ole, TUPADO Programs Director, confirmed the organisation’s ongoing commitment to building capacity within local agribusiness groups [1]. This financial backing represents a crucial component in translating the newly acquired gender-responsive business skills into sustainable economic outcomes for participating communities.
Expected Outcomes and Community Impact
Participants expressed confidence in applying their new skills to enhance business sustainability and market reach. Mariam Ebenyo from the Nazarene Tonyotu Group highlighted practical benefits: ‘We have learned how to keep proper records and identify better market opportunities. This will help us grow and sustain our businesses’ [1]. The training initiative aims to foster more inclusive agribusiness practices across Turkana County, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the knowledge gained will translate into more equitable and profitable enterprises [1]. The programme’s emphasis on gender-responsive practices is expected to benefit both host communities and the significant refugee populations in the region, as improved agricultural productivity and market access typically enhance economic opportunities for all residents.