Turkana: Youth and women-led enterprises engaged in agri-food value chains in Turkana have benefitted from a two-day workshop on finance and market access, convened under the Vijana in KilimoBizz initiative. The workshop was organized by the World Food Programme (WFP) through the MasterCard Foundation and in collaboration with the county government, under the theme 'Connecting Youth to Real Opportunities for Growth and Transformation.'
According to Kenya News Agency, the county secretary, Dr. Richard Titus Ekai, called for a shift in perception among young people towards agriculture, emphasizing its potential for profitability and sustainable employment. He stated, "Agriculture is no longer a fallback option. With the right mindset and support, it is a viable and profitable venture. Turkana youth must take advantage of the many empowerment initiatives available and lead the transformation of our economy."
The County Executive for Trade, Gender and Tourism, James Longo'le Wangiros, emphasized the collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to create a supportive environment for youth entrepreneurs. He noted that the forum aimed to unlock real opportunities beyond just training.
The Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs, Joseph Epuu, highlighted the county government's commitment to supporting youth and women, pointing out a Sh70 million allocation in the financial year dedicated to youth and women initiatives. He encouraged young people and women to seize these opportunities and turn their ideas into enterprises.
David Maraka, Chief Officer for Agriculture and Irrigation, urged the youth to leverage innovation in agribusiness, highlighting the sustainable pathway to self-reliance it offers. He encouraged the youth to be bold and explore value addition across the food chain.
Pauline Tang'arae, Chief Officer for Trade, informed participants about the availability of the County Biashara and Cooperatives Funds, encouraging them to apply to start or expand their businesses. Sara Ayodi, Head of the WFP Lodwar Office, spoke on the global shift from aid to resilience, urging youth to see themselves as solution providers rather than dependents.
Naomi Eyanae, CEO of KIMMEL Model Farm, shared her success story, illustrating the tangible benefits of the KilimoBizz initiative. Her hatchery now produces over 1,200 chicks weekly, a transformation made possible through the support she received.
The workshop featured practical sessions, mentorship engagements, and interactive panels focusing on unlocking finance, enhancing market linkages, and building entrepreneurial skills. Various financing models, digital tools, and incubation platforms were showcased to help youth-led agribusinesses scale and thrive in a competitive market.
The forum also included contributions from Susan Aletia (UN Regional Coordinator), Walter Mutsotso (Head of Program, WFP), Raphael Logumo (Director for Partnerships and Resources Mobilization), Shemmy Ekuwam (Director of Cooperatives), Mollen Onderi (Deputy Director of Gender), Linus Ekidor (Deputy Director of Youth Affairs), and Peter Mwaniki (WFP). Representatives from the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Turkana Chapter, Turkana College University, and financial institutions such as Kenya Commercial Bank, Equity Bank, Cooperative Bank, and MSEA World Bank were also present.