Lodwar – March 5, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The Deputy Governor, Dr. John Erus today led the County Government in signing a three-year partnership deal with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO). This is aimed at strengthening programs in livelihoods, inclusivity, education, social protection and community empowerment.

The MoU will guide the two institutions in fundraising for development initiatives, sourcing of technical expertise for skill transfer and, joint contribution towards long-term development.

Dr. Erus and VSO’s Country Representative Catherine Mwangi represented the organisation in the presence of the Acting County Solicitor, Ekai Nabenyo as the witness.

In his address, Deputy Governor reiterated that Turkanas’ long-term development agenda had been hugely facilitated through partnership.

Recognising VSO for following the right procedure in engaging the County Government, Dr. Erus emphasised the need for partners to divulge information relating to their funding purse so as to measure the impact of their interventions.

Citing that Turkana was facing rising cases of teenage pregnancy in the host and refugee set up, the DG called on VSO to prioritize programs aimed at addressing the challenge.

He also directed county administrators at the field level alongside health workers to work closely with partners in intergrating social protection solutions at the grassroots.

Catherine Mwangi described the deal as a gateway to support diverse interventions jointly with the county.

Noting that the interventions will extend to the refugee community, she said the intervention will also focus on attaining inclusive participation, including persons with disabilities, women, and the youth.

Other participants included the Deputy County Secretary for Administration, Joseph Nyang’a, Chief Officer for Partnerships, Janerose Tioko, Director Partnerships, Raphael Logum, and James Ekanyuku, Director for Social Protection.