Israel strikes staff training deal with 14 counties in lake region

Israel Ambassador to Kenya, Noah Gal Gendler, during the flagging off of a caravan of university students from various institutions in Kenya expected to visit Israel to learn more in Agriculture through internship programs. [David Njaaga, Standard]

Senior staff working for 14 counties that form the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) will be trained in Israel.

Under the agreement signed yesterday, the county staff will receive professional training in various institutions in Israel, in what is expected to help spur economic growth in the region.

The Israeli authorities will, however, engage directly with each of the 14-member counties on areas where they need specialised training.

Speaking at the LREB headquarters in Kisumu, yesterday, Israeli ambassador to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania Noah Gal Gendler (pictured) assured the counties of his support.

Mr Gendler met governors Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu), Wilberforce Otichillo (Vihiga), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) and their deputies.

"We are ready to help you train staff on identified skills gaps," said the envoy.

Mr Oparanya, who chairs the LREB, said the visit was informed by existing potential for business in the region.

He invited the Israeli government to attend an investment conference organised by the block in October and hosted by Nandi County.

Oparanya said they had agreed with Israel to boost their capacity in agriculture, ICT, trade, tourism, financial services and infrastructure.

"We are happy to report that Israel has agreed to help us on identified areas so that we can improve on services delivery," he said