Lodwar, June 10, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining gains achieved through its partnership with Concern Worldwide, as the organization officially concludes nearly eight years of programming in Turkana.
Speaking during the program close-out, County Chief Officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Peter Ekaru acknowledged the impact made across multiple sectors pledging continued support to sustain the gains.
“I am a firsthand witness to the impact made to the people of Turkana. From livestock feed support during droughts to interventions across water, health, and agriculture, the program has transformed lives across the county,” said Ekaru.
He emphasized the County Government’s commitment to ensuring sustainability of the interventions while encouraging communities to take ownership of the achievements realized.
“We assure sustainability of these interventions, but I also urge communities to take ownership and work with partners to build on the strong foundation already established,” he added.
Concern Worldwide Kenya Country Director Nelly Kingston noted that the organization’s exit does not signify the end of support to communities, as implementing partners including SAPCONE and LOKADO will continue with selected interventions.
“We are hopeful that through partnerships with UNICEF and World Food Programme, the work will continue to serve the people of Turkana. This is not a goodbye, but a farewell for now,” she said.
Kingston further affirmed the organization’s continued advocacy for Turkana in future programming opportunities.
“We will continue to advocate for this county even in future because of its unique context. Should opportunities arise, I am confident Turkana will be considered again,” she added.
Presenting the program’s achievements, Program Manager Ian Kinyanjui, highlighted that approximately 20% of Turkana’s population had been reached through interventions, resulting in significant improvements in nutrition, hygiene promotion and household resilience.
According to Kinyanjui, the program reached 66,899 households with food assistance, 104,397 through nutrition interventions, 129,992 through WASH programs, and 98,098 through livestock production support initiatives.
Naoros Water Committee Chairperson Koli Tukoi attributed improved nutrition outcomes in her community to water interventions supported by Concern Worldwide.
“The improvement of our community borehole enabled access to water for farming, and we are now able to grow fresh vegetables for household consumption,” she said.
Livestock Feed Program participant Catherine Nasuru noted that training received had enhanced livestock productivity and household incomes.
“We have witnessed improved livestock health and production, resulting in increased income from livestock products. We now have enough milk for our children and can sell the surplus at the market,” she said.
Cash Transfer Program beneficiary Elizabeth Apili said financial support received enabled her household to diversify its diet and improve the nutritional status of her child, who had previously suffered from malnutrition.
Lessons documented highlighted that investments in government systems, community health structures and local leadership mechanisms create lasting benefits that extend beyond project support and should remain a central pillar of future programming.
Participants further noted that household resilience improves significantly when food security, nutrition, water access, livelihoods and women’s empowerment interventions are implemented in an integrated manner.
