Lodwar, February 4,2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Government, UNHCR and County Assembly, convened a high-level meeting to align policy, legislative and operational frameworks with the Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Development Programme (KISEDP) and strengthen service delivery for both refugees and host communities.
The meeting aimed at enhancing coordination among stakeholders and ensure KISEDP implementation is fully integrated into county systems to promote sustainable and inclusive development.
The discussions highlighted key KISEDP strategic priorities, including strengthening institutionalization, promoting sustainable service delivery in health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and social services as well as advancing economic and human capital development.
In his remarks, Speaker of the Turkana County Assembly, Rt. Hon. Charles Lokiyoto, urged stakeholders to strengthen alignment, avoid duplication and build sustainable systems that extend beyond individual projects.
“Let us agree on practical actions that reinforce county ownership, enhance accountability and translate plans into tangible benefits for the people of Turkana,” he said.
He reaffirmed the County Assembly’s commitment to aligning policies and legislation with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and the Shirika Plan to advance inclusive and sustainable development.
Deputy County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a highlighted that the county remains committed to inclusive governance to ensure equitable development for both host and refugee communities.
He stated the importance of mainstreaming KISEDP interventions into county planning and budgeting processes to enhance sustainability.
On his part, the UNHCR Head of Kakuma Sub-Office, Nanduri Sateesh, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between county government, development partners and humanitarian actors to support the transition from humanitarian assistance to long-term development.
“KISEDP provides opportunity to strengthen systems that benefit both refugees and host communities. UNHCR remains committed to supporting the county in achieving sustainable solutions through policy alignment and coordinated implementation,” he said.
Deputy Director for the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), Philemon Mwamodo, explained role of the “Shirika Plan” in promoting refugee inclusion and self-reliance, noting that harmonizing national refugee frameworks with county development priorities is key to enhancing service delivery and peaceful coexistence.
Moving forward, stakeholders agreed to strengthen coordination mechanisms, system building, enhance information sharing and reporting mechanisms, community sensitization and joint progress tracking of KISEDP priorities to ensure effective implementation and measurable impact at the community level.
The meeting was attended by County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), including Dr. Joseph Epem (Health and Sanitation), Wangiros James (Tourism, Trade and Gender), Lokwang Benson (Roads and Public Works) and Deputy Speaker, Gilbert Topos.
Also present were Chief Officers Leah Losiru (Lands and Physical Planning), Joseph Ekalale (Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change), and David Maraka (Agriculture and Land Reclamation) alongside directors from various departments, the County Assembly team and the KISEDP team.
