Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet youth receive entrepreneurship training, vow to shun banditry activities

Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet youth receive entrepreneurship training, vow to shun banditry activities

The two-day training by Christian Impact Mission in Yatta Machakos County in collaboration with the Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet county governments focused on meeting individual development goals, enhancing justice and respect for all in the society.

Youth from Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo Counties on Sunday resolved to disengage from cattle rustling and banditry activities after receiving training on entrepreneurship.

The two-day training by Christian Impact Mission in Yatta Machakos County in collaboration with the Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet county governments focused on meeting individual development goals, and enhancing justice and respect for all in the society.

The chief officer for peace, conflict resolution and disaster management, Mutwol Lawrence, said a programmed mindset formed through daily experience and repeated habits of conflict influenced many to engage in the cultural practice of cattle rustling.

Inter-clan animosity

He noted that inter-clan animosity has been passed from generation to generation resulting in loss of lives and poverty.

Youth from Elgeyo Marakwet during the the two-day training by Christian Impact Mission in Yatta Machakos County. (Photo: Courtesy)5

"We don't choose our neighbours thus it is an obligation and democratic right to live in peace and harmony. Any stigmatisation of individuals or tribes must be discouraged and eliminated in our minds and daily activities," Mutwol said.

Baringo County Executive Committee Member of Devolution, Public Service Administration, ICT & e-government, Peninah Bartuin lamented that in conflicting societies, women, children, elderly and persons living with disabilities are the major casualties.

She insisted that apart from the ongoing security operation, there is a need to upscale educational systems and religious activities because they open up these areas.

Several youths who spoke during the closure of the training resolved to end cattle rustling and banditry activities by embracing other economic development activities that will generate income at the household level.

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