Choro, Kakuma – 12th November 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Rows of newly installed water tap stands stretch across Choro Farm, a 22-acre plot that has become a lifeline for the host and refugee communities of Kakuma and Kalobeyei. 

Abdul Aziz Lugazo, chairperson of the Choro Farm, leads an inspection team to showcase the outcomes of the Kakuma Kalobeyei Sustainable Access to Water and Sanitation in Support of Livelihood Programs (KK INSPIRE), a two-year initiative co-funded by the Danish Government, the Water Sector Trust Fund, and Turkana County Government.

“Team and Team International has not only set up these tap stands but also trained local farmers on maintenance and basic repairs. Now, we can grow vegetables without the constant fear of water shortages,” Lugazo explains as farmers gather around to witness the inspection. 

Choro Farm, which supplies over 95% of the fresh produce consumed in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement, has seen an agricultural transformation under this project.

Within 24 months, Team and Team International has harnessed a Ksh 28.8 million investment to establish a high-yielding 35.6 cubic meter borehole, an 18KW solar-powered pumping system, a 2.5-kilometer pipeline, and a 50-cubic-meter elevated steel tank. 

These installations now fuel sustainable agriculture, cooperative formation, and improved sanitation in the area.

Leading the inspection was Chief Officer for Trade, Enterprise Development, and Cooperatives, Pauline Tang’arae, who expressed pride in witnessing the transformative impact of the infrastructure. 

“As inspection lead, alongside officers from Water Services, Agricultural Development, and Monitoring and Evaluation, I can confidently say this project is nearing completion at about 92%,” said Tang’arae, affirming the project’s anticipated handover before year-end.

She highlighted the farmers’ thriving market within the refugee camp, settlement scheme, and Kakuma Town, urging them to strengthen their cooperative society to amplify the project’s benefits. 

“We’re directing our local cooperatives officer to help fortify the Choro Farmers’ Cooperative Society,” Tang’arae announced. “A stronger cooperative will open up training and support opportunities, giving you resources to sustain and expand your productivity.”

Paul Lotum, Turkana County’s Director for Water Services, echoed Tang’arae’s sentiments, emphasizing the project’s significance for agricultural and water resource integration.

 “This project is a model of success, combining host and refugee collaboration and integrating various water uses,” Lotum noted, commending Team and Team International for their collaborative approach with the water department throughout the implementation.

During the visit, Nzeyimana Benigne, a Burundian refugee, proudly displayed her certificate from a training on water system maintenance and cooperative development. 

“Though I am a refugee, I know this knowledge will stay with me even when I return home,” she said. “Learning never stops.”

Benigne explained how the project has improved security and hygiene, thanks to VIP latrines and floodlights near the elevated tank. 

Alongside her, more than 19 other farmers have received training, equipping them to meet the pressing demands of agriculture in the region.

Juvenile Ndikumana, a 32-year-old refugee farmer, reflected on how the project had spared them the perils of water scarcity. 

“The shallow wells we used before were risky and costly—we spent thousands to dig and power generators. This piped system is a game-changer,” he remarked, calling the intervention life-saving.

The project has gone beyond basic water access. It includes gender-inclusive sanitation facilities at Bright Secondary School, distribution of farm tools and fruit tree seedlings, and construction of a farmhouse. 

According to Project Manager of Team and Team International, Leah Asami, these efforts collectively promote agricultural and community development across the region.

Also present at the inspection were Turkana West Sub-County Administrator Christine Nalemsekon, Kakuma Municipality Public Health Officer Godwin Wambani, and Director of Administration Patrick Imana, who addressed concerns raised by the farmers.