Natoot, Lodwar. February 20, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The Natoot community in Kanamkemer Ward, Turkana Central Sub-County, has established a 30-member farmers’ group to oversee the installation and management of the upcoming solar-powered milling machine donation by Pastoralist Adaptive Initiatives for Resilience (PAIR).
PAIR is a Kenya-based non-profit organization that strengthens access to productive assets, protects human capital and expands economic opportunities through locally led, evidence-driven solutions in partnership with government agencies, the private sector and research institutions.
The milling enterprise is expected to benefit more than 250 farming households attached to Natoot Farm by reducing milling costs, increasing value-addition capacity and strengthening household incomes.
Currently, farmers travel to Lodwar town, where they pay up to KSh 30 per kilogram to mill Grade One flour. The new solar-powered machine is expected to lower transport expenses and reduce reliance on diesel-powered mills.
“Our records show that farmers harvest more than one tonne of grain each season. With this level of production, local milling will allow the community to retain more value and expand into processed products,” said Sheila Nakiru, Agribusiness Manager at Natoot Farm.
Nakiru also noted that the County Government of Turkana played a key role in mobilizing the community to form the management group, commending the Department of Administration, Disaster Management and Public Service for supporting the area’s sub-county administration in sensitizing farmers on the importance of community-led groups.
PAIR representative Joy Yelle praised the community for establishing a management structure ahead of the machine’s installation.
“This initiative is about building local stability by strengthening value-addition capacity and ensuring communities retain more income within Natoot,” she said.
Turkana Central Sub-County Administrator Esther Kiyonga pledged continued support to the group, noting that field officers aligned to the farm’s business sectors would be available to provide technical assistance when needed.
Community members welcomed the initiative, saying the solar-powered mill will cut costs and save time previously spent travelling more than five kilometres to Lodwar for milling services.
The project is also expected to benefit Natoot Primary School, which serves more than 270 learners, by improving access to locally milled maize flour for the school feeding programme.
The process was presided over by the Office of the Sub-County Administrator. Among those present were Joshua Lomechu (Kanamkemer Ward Administrator), Caroline Emoru (Natoot Village Unit Administrator), James Ikimat of the County Assembly of Turkana, Victor Jumah of Bright Hope International, Obadiah Esimit and Shena Wasike.
