Lodwar – April 20, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus in a courtesy call, hosted Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Matsuura Hiroshi, who reaffirmed his government’s commitment. He revealed they will continue supporting models that provide services to both host and refugee communities in Turkana.
“Together with my team, we have toured health facilities and gender-based violence recovery centres run by various partners and supported by the Government of Japan. There is a need for further support for the models to continue offering services,” he said.
In Turkana, Japan’s government has been offering support through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Kenya Red Cross Society, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Peace Winds Japan as leading implementing partners.
Official data from the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS) indicates that more than 10,000 women accessed skilled delivery, nearly 400,000 received reproductive health education and contraceptive services, and about 20,000 benefited from GBV recovery services including psychosocial support.
Deputy Governor said the County Government has seen significant transformation from the support received through Japan-funded partners.
“We recently signed a multi-million agreement with JICA to support our water utility companies and their infrastructure in Kakuma and Lodwar. We also worked with Peace Winds Japan and now have a modern garage at Kalobeyei. Kenya Red Cross and IRC have also ensured continuous provision of social protection and health services. This is a strategic partnership that delivers results and the county appreciates a great deal,” he said.
DG Erus added that the county was equally committed to deepen the partnership with Japan and all agencies implementing programs in Turkana so as to effectively address emerging and recurrent needs of the local population.
DG Erus also used the opportunity to champion for further support to unpack the Shirika plan for a better understanding of the document by both the local population and agencies implementing interventions in the area.
UNFPA Deputy Representative and Officer in Charge of Kenya, Pilar de la Corte Molina, cited the Shirika Plan as one of the key pillars used to design interventions that equitably benefit host and refugee populations.
During the visit, implementing partners and government agencies made presentations.
County officials present included Finance CECM Roseline Aite, County Attorney Ruth Emanikor, Partnerships Chief Officer Jane Rose Tioko, Water Chief Officer Simon Etom, Partnerships Director Raphael Logum, ECDE Director Ezekiel Kulal, Deputy Director for Partnerships Mike Aupe, Felix Marangach of Social Protection and representatives of UNFPA, IRC, Kenya Red Cross, UNRCO and Peace Winds Japan.
