Lodwar – February 26, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Government has taken a major step toward strengthening health infrastructure against the effects of climate change, following a high-level Validation Workshop held in Lodwar.
The forum, convened by the Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF, brought together key county departments including Health, Public Works, Climate Change, Environment, and Meteorology, and Scope Impact Consultants, to validate draft Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Guidelines. The guidelines will support planners, engineers, and service providers to design and manage facilities capable of withstanding flooding, extreme heat, strong winds, and prolonged drought.
Opening the workshop, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Services, Agnes Mana, underscored the urgency of climate-smart planning.
“Climate change is no longer a future threat — it is already affecting our health facilities through floods, extreme heat, and structural damage. These guidelines will ensure that every facility we build moving forward is safer, stronger, and responsive to the realities of Turkana,” said Mana. “Resilient infrastructure is not optional, it is essential to protecting mothers, children, and vulnerable communities.”
UNICEF’s Stanley Akine, who supports programmes at the Lodwar Zonal Office, explained that the initiative was informed by field visits which revealed structural weaknesses linked to heat stress, flooding, wind damage, and expansive soils.
“We are developing guidelines that ensure buildings are adapted to climate conditions — whether that means raising structures in flood-prone areas, adjusting roof orientation to withstand wind, or improving ventilation to reduce heat,” he noted.
Engineers emphasized the need for proper geotechnical assessments, stronger foundations, reinforced columns, and adequate supervision budgets. Deputy Director of Public Works Eng. James Ewar highlighted gaps in supervision funding and logistics, urging early ground assessments before budgeting.
Assistant Director of Public Health Services Chris Lirhunde called for Public Health Officers to be involved from design to completion.
“It begins with an approved plan. Public Health must be part of the process from the word go to ensure standards on ventilation, drainage, heights, and occupational safety are met,” he stated.
Director of Environment Services Phoebe Ekali emphasized the broader environmental lens:
“Climate resilience must be integrated into every sector. By aligning environmental safeguards with health infrastructure planning, we are ensuring that our facilities remain functional, safe, and sustainable even under extreme weather conditions.”
Participants noted what is already working in Turkana, including expanded solar energy systems, local technical knowledge in saline soil management, adaptive facility staff, and existing climate-smart features such as raised foundations and passive shading.
The validated guidelines will inform national policy, with counties playing a key role in implementation. Once finalized, they are expected to strengthen planning, budgeting, and supervision frameworks to ensure value for money and durable public investments.
As Turkana continues to experience harsh climatic conditions, the county remains committed to building infrastructure that protects lives today and withstands the challenges of tomorrow.
Present were Joseph Epuu (Chief Officer, Gender and Youth Affairs), Phineus Mugo (Principal Meteorology Technologist), Thomas Kiyong’a (Deputy Director, Climate Change), Sarah Esinyen (Deputy Director, Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation), James Ekamais (Assistant Director, Public Health Services), and Stella Kogo (UNICEF Health).
