Lodwar, 15th May 2025 (Governor’s Press Service)
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai today hosted UNICEF Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Etleva Kadilli, who is on a tour of Turkana. Ms. Kadilli is on a tour of Turkana to assess the impact of the partnership between UNICEF and the County Government in advancing and promoting child rights.
The Governor called for strategic realignment of resources following reduced funding from traditional donors like the United States. “With decreasing international support, we must ensure every available resource creates maximum impact for our vulnerable populations,” the Governor stated.
Governor Lomorukai highlighted the strain on local resources caused by Turkana’s rising refugee population. He emphasised the urgent need for expanded Early Childhood Development infrastructure to serve both communities.
He highlighted the need for investment in water desalination technology to make Turkana’s saline groundwater drinkable.
Director Kadilli reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting children in Turkana despite global funding challenges.
“Investing in children means investing in the future,” Kadili said, proposing practical solutions like school chicken projects to provide affordable nutrition.
She expressed UNICEF’s willingness to support the Shirika Plan for refugee-host community coexistence and offered technical assistance for drought resilience planning.
County Executive for Health Dr. Joseph Epem appealed for UNICEF’s support in providing Ready-to-Use Supplementary Foods following the World Food Programme’s withdrawal of similar services due to funding constraints.
Dr. Epem urged UNICEF to support the ongoing campaigns to register residents with the Social Health Authority. He expressed appreciation to UNICEF for the upscale support for household rapid hygiene and sanitation, which has worked in the prevention of waterborne diseases like cholera.
Chief Officer for Water Services Simon Etom acknowledged UNICEF’s previous support in developing water governance policies but outlined ongoing challenges. These included the need to strengthen local water utilities’ capacity for independent maintenance and upgrades to Lodwar’s water testing laboratory.
Present at the meeting were Acting County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a, County Attorney Ruth Emanikor, Economic Advisor Dr. Richard Ekai, Legal Advisor Ekiru Tulele, Director for Resource Mobilisation Raphael Logum and Deputy Director Michael Aupe
In the UNICEF delegation were Country Representative Shaheen Nilofer, Chief of Lodwar Zonal Office Rotuno Kipsang, Chief of Field Operations and Emergencies Dominic Stolarow, Nutrition Specialist Francis Kidake, WASH Specialist Jackson Mutia and Health Specialist Nelson Lolos.
