Homa Bay, 13th August 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has urged leaders and players in the refugee sector to move with speed and unpack the Shirika Plan to enhance understanding of the document.
Speaking at the Devolution conference side event on Refugee inclusion in Homabay, DG Erus said that the unpacking will play a critical role in clarifying the role of each sector player for easy implementation of the framework.
The plan, which seeks to promote refugee inclusion in Kenya has over the years been widely misinterpreted with many targeted populations saying they know nothing about it.
Dr. Erus said that while both state and non-state agencies play an important role in refugee management, empowering the Council of Governors (CoG) and leadership of refugee-hosting counties could accelerate inclusive development for both host and refugee communities.
“Inclusion of the CoG and leadership of the refugee-hosting counties may accelerate the realization of positive results which is the true inclusion we are aiming to achieve,” he said.
The DG added that a “one-size-fits-all” approach may not deliver the desired outcomes. He recommended that empowerment strategies be tailored to the unique needs and realities of counties like Turkana and Garissa.
The session also heard from Turkana County Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Charles Lokioto, who revealed that the county had taken a proactive step by amending its standing orders to create a dedicated committee on refugee affairs.
The speaker said that The amendment would provide structured legislative oversight and policy support for refugee management and integration at the county level.
The Shirika Plan, launched about two years ago in 2023, is Kenya’s long-term strategy to integrate refugees into national systems.
Chief officers Janerose Tioko (Preventive health), Gilchrist Lokoel (Medical Services) and Stenza Lomorukai (Urban Areas Management) were present.
Deputy Directors John Lobokan (Monitoring and Evaluation), George Emase (Climate Change), Pauline Pusiye (Natural Resources), Mercy Ekaran (Asst Director Vocational Training) and Robert Rotich (One health coordinator) and Wilson Ikamar (Resource Mobilization County Assembly) were also present.
