Lodwar, 15th July 2024 -(Governor’s Press Service)

Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai held discussions with a delegation from Japan, including parliamentarians and representatives from Save the Children. Discussions centered on strengthening education in Turkana County.

Japanese lawmakers Ejima Kiyoshi and Ueno Michiko, along with Save the Children Japan’s Government Relations Officer Megumi Nishizaki, are in Turkana to learn about the county’s education programmes and explore potential partnerships. Both Kiyoshi and Michiko serve in the Japanese House of Councillors.

During the meeting at the Governor’s office, the delegation and county officials acknowledged the need for closer collaboration to address education challenges.

“We recognize the importance of coordination in improving education outcomes,” said Michiko, noting similarities between Kenyan and Japanese systems with focus on stronger collaboration of education stakeholders.

Governor Lomorukai emphasized the need for additional resources to tackle inadequate learning infrastructure, teacher shortages and capacity development. He called for support for the school feeding programme to keep children in school.

“Education is a shared responsibility. National, county governments, and partners must work together to address challenges which are similar at all levels,” the Governor said.

To address the teacher shortage, Governor Lomorukai announced plans to discuss with MCAs a shift from building new ECD centers to fully utilise existing ones. He also highlighted the effect of climate change and banditry in destruction of schools, raising an urgent need for government and partner to rebuild the schools.

Michiko pledged to explore support for Turkana’s education sector, including capacity development for teachers. She also encouraged the county to adopt a global education approach, exposing students to diverse cultures and perspectives.

County Executive for Education Elizabeth Loote recognised the support from Save the Children to implement WASH programmes in schools, rescue centre and in formulation of the ECD policy.

County Director for Education Stanley Lubanga appreciated Save the Children input in education system strengthening and called for support to address effects of climate change in the sector.

Oshima Yoshiyuki from Education Cannot Wait, a global fund supporting Save the Children, was also part of the delegation. Save the Children’s Program Manager for Turkana, Shariff Abdalla, led the organization’s team.

County Assembly Education Committee Chairman Michael Aemun, Kalokol MCA Michael Apem, and UN Delivering as One Coordinator Susan Aletia were also present.

Senior County Government officers present in the meeting included Chief of Staff Peter Loyapan, Chief Officer for Education and Social Protection Etelej Korea, Directors Raphael Logum (Resource Mobilization) and Ezekiel Kulal (ECDE) as well as Advisor on Gender and Partnerships Festus Imuton.