THE NATIONAL HERO CHALLENGING ATTITUDES ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING.

In the arid lands of Turkana County, where tradition often dictates the course of life, Emmanuel Loroo’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of education. As the firstborn son in a family steeped in pastoral traditions, his future seemed set—herding goats, as generations before him had done. Yet, against the weight of these expectations, his journey has defied the odds and is now empowering others in Turkana.

Growing up in Natoo village, Lokitaung’, Turkana County, Emmanuel Loroo spent his childhood herding goats. At 28 years old, he reflects on a journey that could have turned out very differently. As the firstborn and only son among his mother’s three children, tradition and expectation placed a heavy burden on him. His uncles, intent on preserving these customs, never envisioned him stepping foot into a classroom.

“There were many times I had to leave school because my uncles insisted I herd goats. This meant carrying guns and travelling to the border in search of greener pastures,” he recalls, his expression tightening at the mention of guns.

In Northern Kenya, livestock has long been more than just a means of livelihood; it is a marker of wealth and status. But this also makes it a target, fueling cycles of cattle rustling and banditry. Once regarded as a rite of passage, banditry has evolved with the proliferation of illegal firearms, transforming into a hub for organized crime in the arid borderlands. “One of my uncles was shot in the leg during a raid, and some of my peers have lost their lives to cattle rustling,” Loroo shares.

Despite the pressure to abandon school, his parents stood firm in their resolve, ensuring he received an education. He completed high school, but financial constraints meant college was out of reach, forcing him to put his dreams on hold. Undeterred, he began volunteering as a translator for Parklands Baptist Church missionaries in Lokitaung’. His dedication and potential did not go unnoticed. The mission offered to sponsor his first professional certificate program, and he seized the opportunity, enrolling in petroleum engineering.

“I was admitted to the Petroleum Institute of East Africa, where I completed my certificate after two years,” he explains. “With little else to keep me in Nairobi, I returned home. That is when I came across the KCB Foundation vocational training scholarship.” The scholarship opened the door to a short course in welding at the East African Welding Institute—an opportunity Loroo calls his silver lining.

“Welding changed my life,” he says. “A few months after completing the training, I received a welding toolkit from the Foundation. That toolkit marked the start of my journey as a welder.”

Humble Beginnings

Without money to rent a shop or access to electricity at home, setting up a workshop seemed almost impossible. But his determination pushed him to think creatively. He turned to social media, using it as a platform to promote his services. “I felt like I had nothing to lose,” he recalls. “I did not have a job, and my sick mother and siblings were depending on me. So, I went online and started writing about my business.”

Loroo took his services directly to his clients, walking door-to-door to meet them at their point of need. His unwavering dedication to his craft quickly set him apart, helping him grow a loyal clientele. With each welding job, he saved just enough to cover daily expenses and support his family.

As word of his reliability spread, demand for his services increased, and he saw an opportunity to expand. This led to the creation of Tech Friends of Topiye (TFT). “I founded TFT as a workshop to provide welding services, train more young people in Turkana in welding skills, and support the vulnerable in my community,” he explains.

TFT has grown to employ five people while supporting youth, women, and people with disabilities by addressing their daily needs through acts of empowerment and giving.

Turkana Tech Youth Hub

Over time, TFT has transformed into the Turkana Tech Youth Hub, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering Turkana’s youth through quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), fostering climate resilience, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability.

Through the Turkana Tech Youth Hub, Loroo is reshaping youth perceptions of vocational training and education. The initiative also engages young people in critical peace dialogues to address the insecurity challenges affecting Turkana and its neighbouring communities. Additionally, the hub promotes environmental conservation measures among pastoralist communities, driving sustainable practices in the region.

“We have the TVET Green Initiative, where we distribute tree seedlings to communities in Turkana to replace trees that have been cut down. Our goal is to stop deforestation in Turkana,” he explains. This initiative has garnered multiple accolades, including the Presidential Innovation Award for the Smart Climate Stool (Ekicholong), an invention designed to protect indigenous trees like the Ekadeli from being felled.

His efforts have also earned him the Devolution Award and, most recently, the National Hero Award from the National Heroes Council for his contributions to environmental conservation and youth empowerment. A youth champion and an innovator, Loroo envisions empowering young people to become active agents of change within their communities.

National TVET Ambassador

As the National TVET Ambassador, he is on a mission to redefine the narratives and perceptions surrounding vocational training and education. “Learning welding completely transformed my life. It allowed me to provide for myself and support others,” he shares. “I have also realized that many people see TVET as an option for failures, but I am here to challenge that mindset.”

Loroo actively engages his community and leaders at various levels, advocating for vocational training and youth skilling in Turkana County and across the nation. His efforts aim to inspire a shift in attitudes, demonstrating the value and potential of technical education.

“The world is moving toward a skill-based economy, which is one of the most effective ways to eradicate poverty in our communities,” he states. “This is especially important in places like Turkana and Baringo, where many people have not had the chance to go to school. With TVET, you can start your own business and earn a living. That is why I became a National TVET Ambassador.”

As a National TVET Ambassador, he is at the forefront of promoting technical and vocational education and training as a viable pathway to employment and self-reliance. With youth unemployment remaining a significant challenge in Kenya, TVET has become a key solution. The number of TVET institutions in the country has grown substantially, from 753 in 2013 to over 2,500 in 2022, with subsidized fees making vocational training more accessible than ever.

“I am a proud welder, and I hope more young people can embrace TVET and transform their lives,” Loroo concludes.

By sharing his success story, Loroo wants to inspire young people to embrace technical skills, highlighting their potential to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the country’s economic growth. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that vocational training not only empowers individuals, but also drives broader societal and economic change.

Edited by Pius Okore.