Youth- and women-led businesses engaged in agri-food value chains in Turkana. benefited from a two-day workshop focused on finance and market access. The forum was held under the Vijana in KilimoBizz initiative, organized by the World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the County Government of Turkana. Its theme was “Connecting Youth to Real Opportunities for Growth and Transformation.”
County Secretary Dr. Richard Titus Ekai, in his keynote address, urged young people to change their perception of agriculture and recognize its potential for profitability and sustainable livelihoods.
“Agriculture is no longer a fall back option. With the right mind set 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,” said Dr. Ekai.
County Executive for Trade, Gender and Tourism James Longo’le Wangiros emphasized the importance of collaboration in supporting youth-led enterprises. “We are intentionally bringing together all players from the public and private sectors to create a supportive environment for youth entrepreneurs. This forum is not just about training, but unlocking real opportunities,” Wangiros opined.
Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs Joseph Epuu highlighted the County Government’s investment in youth and women empowerment. “The County has allocated 70 million in this financial year to address youth and women’s matters. I challenge our young people and women to grab these opportunities and turn their ideas into enterprises,” he said.
Chief Officer for Agriculture and Irrigation David Maraka called on youth to embrace innovation in agribusiness. “Agribusiness offers a sustainable pathway to self-reliance. I encourage our youth to be bold, creative, and explore value addition across the food chain,” he said.
Chief Officer for Trade Pauline Tang’arae also encouraged participants to take advantage of the County Biashara and Cooperatives Funds.
The Head of WFP’s Lodwar Office, Sara Ayodi, underscored the need for a mindset shift among young people. “There is a global shift from aid to resilience. The youth must stop seeing themselves as dependents and start thinking like solution providers,” Ayodi said.
Representing the youth participants, Naomi Eyanae, CEO of KIMMEL Model Farm, shared how the KilimoBizz initiative has helped her business grow. “Through the KilimoBizz initiative, my hatchery now produces over 1,200 chicks every week. This support has transformed our outlook. I urge fellow youth to be proactive; opportunities exist if you’re willing to work for them,” Eyanae said.
The two-day forum featured practical sessions, mentorship engagements and panel discussions focusing on finance access, market linkages and entrepreneurship development. Participants were also introduced to various financing models, digital tools and incubation platforms designed to help youth-led agribusinesses grow in a competitive market.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Turkana Chapter, Turkana University College, and financial institutions such as Kenya Commercial Bank, Equity Bank, Cooperative Bank, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) and the World Bank.
