Partners with Startup Lions to Empower Youth in Turkana
Eldoret National Polytechnic has announced a significant partnership with Startup Lions, a local organization dedicated to digital empowerment in Turkana County.
The memorandum of service was formalized on July 8, 2024, in a ceremony attended by Eldoret National Polytechnic’s Chief Principal Charles Koech, Deputy Principal James Mwangi, and Startup Lions CEO Brizan Were.
The agreement establishes Startup Lions as an official assessment center for Eldoret Polytechnic, accredited by the TVET Authority to provide Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This collaboration aims to equip young people in Turkana with essential life skills and academic qualifications in creative computer design and web design.
Charles Koech expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that it reflects Eldoret Polytechnic’s commitment to supporting marginalized communities through meaningful collaborations. “This memorandum signifies a substantial step towards helping the talented youth of Turkana gain certification and demonstrate their skills through formal qualifications,” Koech said.
Brizan Were highlighted the significance of the partnership, emphasizing that it represents a critical opportunity for youth in Turkana to advance their educational and professional aspirations. “By working with Eldoret Polytechnic, we are taking a major step forward in providing certified digital skills training for the young people of Turkana,” Were stated. He also commended President William Ruto for advocating for the RPL agenda, which aims to recognize and validate prior learning experiences.
The partnership will involve the certification of 74 students in Lodwar and Kakuma in creative computer design level 4 and web design level 4. James Mwangi detailed that the screening process has already commenced, with the final assessment scheduled for August.
Paul Muriithi, an Assistant Director at the TVET Authority, also attended the signing ceremony. He assured that the RPL initiative would maintain high standards and quality to ensure that the qualifications awarded are respected by industry and other stakeholders.
Community leaders from North Rift, including Benjamin Leting, Abraham Cheruiyot, and Celestine Chelagat, praised the initiative and commended Principal Koech for his leadership in expanding the polytechnic’s reach and impact.
This partnership marks a historic development for both institutions, reflecting a shared vision of leveraging education and training to uplift marginalized communities and foster long-term growth in Turkana County.
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