Lopur: More than 200 residents of Lopur Ward in Turkana West, including members of the refugee community, have registered with the National Employment Authority (NEA) to access job opportunities both locally and internationally.
According to Kenya News Agency, this initiative is part of NEA's integration into the ongoing Gava Mashinani programme, a government-led effort implemented by BOMA to decentralise essential services and bring them closer to grassroots communities. Michael Musyoki, Manager of the Kakuma Biashara Huduma Centre, emphasised the importance of the partnership in enhancing employment access in underserved regions.
"By integrating employment services into Gava Mashinani, NEA is bridging the gap between job seekers and human resource systems. This effort enhances access to decent work for both host and refugee populations," said Musyoki.
Joel Makori Osando, NEA's Employment Officer for Turkana County, noted that the collaboration with Gava Mashinani has improved the registration process for job seekers in rural areas while also offering guidance on professional CV writing and linking candidates with job openings. "NEA is committed to creating employment opportunities for all Kenyans and improving labour mobility. We aim to ensure that residents in marginalized areas can address unemployment challenges locally, without the burden of long-distance travel or bureaucratic delays," Osando explained.
He further noted that the programme specifically targets youth, minorities, and marginalized groups, including refugees. "So far, 166 individuals have been registered for job seeker accounts, and we anticipate this number will continue to grow as the exercise progresses," he added.
Donatien Nyandwi, a member of the refugee community and a recent beneficiary, praised the initiative for offering direct access to potential employers and supporting skills development. "We've been empowered through services such as CV writing, interview preparation, and talent development. We expect to see a significant improvement in employment access for Lopur residents," said Nyandwi.