Kapetadie, 2 December 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The 13th edition of Kimormor, a one-health integrated outreach program, arrived in Kapetadie, Lokichoggio Sub-County, on November 30th, 2024. The program was officially launched by Patrick Losike Lokaimoe, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water Services.
CECM Lokaimoe described Kimormor as a lifeline for underserved pastoral communities. “This is a specially designed program to ensure communities like Kapetadie are not left behind in accessing essential services,” he stated.
Beneficiaries in Kapetadie received a range of services, including human health consultations, animal vaccinations and treatments, civil registration for identity cards and birth certificates, and disease prevention training.
The CEC noted the community’s appreciation and promised expanded rollout in the future. “On behalf of the County Government and all the departments involved in Kimormor, we are working on ways to ensure that repair of water infrastructure at the point of service delivery is prioritized,” he said.
Lokaimoe instructed the Lokichoggio Sub-County water team to assess the Kapetadie solar-powered water project and submit a report to his office for initiating repair works.
The CEC also highlighted the role of cross-border peace efforts in enabling the delivery of services to South Sudanese pastoralists in Mogila, now within Kenyan territory. “Kimormor has truly attained international status by providing services to cross-border communities currently enjoying peace. This is an indication that peaceful cross-border existence has true dividends,” he added.
Gabriel Ejikon, a representative of the DANIDA Transcend Project, acknowledged the importance of peace in making the outreach possible. “The ability to undertake this initiative in initially insecure areas can partly be attributed to cross-border peace efforts. These efforts have transformed the area from a battle zone into a service delivery zone, fostering inclusivity,” he noted.
Jamal Abdi, the IRC Core Group Partners’ Project Manager, said the initiative complements efforts in monitoring and reporting cross-border zoonotic diseases and polio.
Lokai Ekitela, a resident of Kapetadie, expressed gratitude for the outreach. “This area was once a war zone between the Turkana and Toposa communities, but now it’s a zone of peace. We are all benefitting from Kimormor without having to travel long distances for essential services,” Ekitela remarked.
During the exercise, 200 assorted tree seedlings were planted, and communities were sensitized on seedling protection.
So far, Kimormor has benefitted 2066 people with medical services, vaccinated 45,000 animals, and registered 384 individuals for identity cards and 50 for birth certificates. Additionally, 416 people were registered for Social Health Insurance Fund (SHA).
The event was supported by National Syndemic Disease Control Council, Apes Ere, Diocese of Lodwar, Echuman Rehab, Asegis Community Network, USAID Imarisha Jamii, Turkana Development Trust, Turkana University College, Kenya Red Cross and Kenya Medical Training College.
