Nairobi, April 15, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Turkana County is among the 29 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties set to benefit from a renewed national strategy by the state aimed at ending the cycle of drought emergencies through long-term resilience building and integrated development planning.
The strategy, officially launched in Nairobi by the Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs and ASALs, Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, marks the second phase of the Ending Drought Emergencies Common Programme Framework (EDE CPF II).
It is expected that the strategy will guide national and county actions up to the year 2032.
“ASALs remain at the epicentre of the climate crisis. Droughts have become more frequent, more severe, and more prolonged—affecting between 1.5 and 4.9 million Kenyans each year,” CS Askul said during the launch.
She emphasized that the recurring nature and rising costs of drought emergencies have necessitated a shift in approach, with the new plan advocating for a transition from reactive crisis management to proactive risk reduction.
“Despite being richly endowed with natural resources, ASAL regions continue to suffer from economic marginalization due to structural vulnerabilities and climate shocks,” the CS noted.
“This framework adopts a deliberate shift from fragmented, sector-based responses to an integrated, systems-level collaboration across all levels of government and with non-state actors.” she added.
Following a consultative meeting with the CS, Turkana Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus welcomed the launch of the new plan, describing it as timely and aligned with Turkana’s ongoing efforts to address drought challenges.
“For a long time, Turkana has relied on reactive crisis response. With this new framework, we are now committed to proactive risk reduction,” said Dr. Erus. “We will prioritize resilience-building in our County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and strengthen our coordination with development partners and the private sector.”
Dr. Erus added that Turkana had already established a coordination framework to support drought risk management and was ready to use EDE CPF II as a guide to strengthen institutional capacity and implement an integrated system-level approach.
The high-level event was attended by key national and county leaders, including the Chair of the Council of Governors and Wajir Governor H.E. Ahmed Abdullahi. Other governors present were Mohamed Adan Khalif (Mandera), Mohamud M. Ali (Marsabit), Joseph Irungu (Laikipia), Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta), and Isaac Mutuma (Meru).
Deputy Governors in attendance included Robert Komolle (West Pokot), Felix Maiyo (Baringo), Lucy Mulili (Makueni), and Augustine Wambua (Kitui).
Also, present were Principal Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama, National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) CEO Lt. Col. (Rtd) Hared Hassan Adan, and representatives from the diplomatic corps and development partners.
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus led the Turkana team that included County Attorney Ruth Emanikor, Legal Advisor Ekiru Tulele, and Vitalis Ogombe of the Strategic Delivery Unit (SDU).
