A Technical Training Institute (TTI) is to be established on the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties in a bid to foster peace.
Speaking during this year’s Kapsait prayer meeting, leaders from the two counties said a piece of land touching both counties had been identified for the establishment of the learning institution.
Marakwet and Pokot communities in Kapsait marked the celebration that was graced by Catholic Bishops Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret Diocese, Henry Juma Odonya (Kitale Diocese) and Bishop Emeritus Maurice Crowley.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said that once established, the learning institution will promote the integration of the two communities.
“I have sat down with my colleague Governor Kachapin and we are both in agreement that a technical training institute be established in this area. Our youth will get skills and at the same time integrate,” said Mr Rotich who added that more security roads will be opened up in the area to rid bandits in the region.
Farming of high-value crops
He further said his administration had introduced farming of high-value crops and encouraged the youth in the area to venture into growing pyrethrum which according to him has the best climatic conditions for the production of quality flowers.
“You don’t have to rely on livestock to live. There are other ventures that can fetch good earnings,” he said.
His West Pokot counterpart Governor Simon Kachapin said he would support the establishment of the technical training institute and urged parents from his county to take advantage and enrol their children once it is operationalized.
Bishop Kimengich commended the two governors for their peace efforts and further urged politicians to desist from inciting locals.
Present were Chair KVDA Mark Chesergon, Senator William Kisang, MPs Timothy Kipchumba, Caroline Ng’elechei, Samuel Moroto, Rael Kasiwai, MCAs and other leaders.