Skills training as a solution to banditry in the Rift

Banditry has been on the rise in the Rift Valley region as conflict between different communities rises. In fact, a majority of youth in these areas have been persuaded into these banditry activities, coming off as a solution to the lack of opportunities in the region and Kenya as a whole. To tackle the issue, the county governments of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot have come up with a plan to establish an institution to dissuade the idle youth from these activities.

By establishing a Technical Training Institute (TTI) in Kapsait, West Pokot County, the two county governments are hoping to not only offer the youth a way out but also to tackle the insecurity in the region. According to Simon Kachapin, West Pokot Governor and Wisley Rotich, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor, both county governments will contribute Sh10 million as part of their 10% contribution to establishing the institute while the national government caters for the rest.

On his part, West Pokot governor stated the urgency of the institution thus planning to allocate his portion as soon as possible, by February 2024, through a supplementary budget. “The aim of this institution is to unite youths and equip them with skills for livelihood. It is also important that professionals and leaders come together to promote peace in the area,” he said.

Governor Wesley Rotich, on his end, encouraged youth to be active and enroll in the institution once it’s available. “The youth should be ready to enroll in the training on the Tujiajiri programme once it is announced so that they can engage in online jobs, enabling them to earn a living as they await more job opportunities,” he said.

Once in place, the institution will be an advantage to youth in the region as it enables them to diversify their means of earning a living and stop relying on livestock, which is the cause of insecurity in the area.

Insecurity in the Rift Valley region has affected many from schools to businesses, which has seen the region almost come to a standstill. Despite many attempts by the government to handle the situation, bandits still continue to cause havoc.