Oil firms hand over training institute to Turkana

Alex Budden of Lundin Foundation and Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok during the handover.

Lundin Foundation and Africa Oil have handed over the Lodwar Vocational Training Centre to the Turkana County government.

Following a deal signed last year in January, Lundin, a Canadian social investment organisation with a presence in Kenya, oversaw the rehabilitation of the Lodwar training centre, with support from Africa Oil.

An MoU signed by Turkana County Governor Josphat Nanok and Lundin Foundation Regional Head Charlotte Ward last year marked the start of the process to revive the polytechnic.

Speaking during the handover event, Hudson Andambi, the senior principal geologist at the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, said his office is committed to ensuring Kenyans get the requisite training to enable them get jobs with exploration companies, and participate in the management of the oil sector.

Leading role

Alex Budden, a board member at Lundin, said his foundation sees the Lodwar Vocational Training Centre playing a leading role in improving the availability and quality of technical and vocational education within Turkana, thereby helping meet the demand for qualified personnel.

“Such initiatives will bridge the skills gap and assist more young people in Turkana to take advantage of the opportunities provided by a rapidly developing economy,” he added.

Africa Oil General Manager Donald Mahaga said, together with partners Tullow, his company was committed to enabling meaningful employment in Turkana and contributing to its growth.

“We are confident that training from the Lodwar Vocational Training Centre will improve the quality and quantity of skills across the county.”