TURKANA – The Turkana County Drivers and Transport Association (TUCODTA) has launched a comprehensive training initiative targeting approximately 500 drivers across the region. The four-day program, which commenced on Monday, August 31, 2026, is being conducted in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society (Turkana Branch). Designed to elevate professional standards and boost employment prospects, the curriculum focuses heavily on defensive driving, occupational first aid, and essential refresher material.
This initiative comes at a critical time as the nation grapples with a rise in road fatalities. According to National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) data, Kenya recorded 4,458 road deaths in 2025, up from 4,311 in 2024. Drivers accounted for 403 of those fatalities, while motorcyclists and their passengers suffered 1,580 deaths combined. Having been highlighted by the NTSA during a nationwide safety alert in December 2025, Turkana County is using this program to foster a culture of responsible driving and improve real-time emergency response capabilities.
Beyond safety, the initiative is strategically aligned with major local economic developments, including upcoming Gulf Energy projects. TUCODTA Chairman Jacob Emekwi Komoli noted that the association aims to equip local drivers to compete fairly for incoming jobs without compromising safety standards. Komoli also dismissed prior rumors surrounding the initiative: “Some people were telling drivers that this was a scam, but they were surprised when we actualised it and the training started.”
To ensure equitable access across the expansive county, the rollout is structured into geographic cohorts with financial backing from local Members of Parliament. The initial cohort features 130 drivers from Turkana North and Turkana East. Subsequent phases will group drivers from Loima and Turkana Central, before finally expanding to Turkana West and Turkana South. TUCODTA Director Faruk Fadhili Bisbas expressed strong confidence in the program’s reach, emphasizing that the certified skills will prepare participants for employment both regionally and nationally.
The association is also leveraging the initiative to champion gender diversity in the transport industry. TUCODTA Vice Chairperson for Kanamkemer Ward, Rose Asurut Atelei, issued a strong call for female participation: “I encourage my fellow women to join and learn in the driving sector.” Atelei underscored that acquiring professional driving skills offers women a direct path toward financial independence and greater participation in the local economy.
Ultimately, TUCODTA envisions the program as a dual-purpose intervention that pairs regional development with public safety. As infrastructure and investment expand throughout Turkana County, the association aims to build a reliable workforce of skilled, safety-conscious drivers who can lower avoidable road accidents while driving local economic growth.
