Kakuma, February 7, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Government has intensified efforts to operationalize the Local Content Act of 2024, with a multi-agency technical team working to finalize the Local Content General Regulations, 2026 before the end of the current financial year.
Officers from the Office of the County Attorney, the County Assembly, a section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) met at a three-day workshop to review the draft regulations ahead of the validation exercise.
Speaking during the workshop opening, Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus said the county is counting on the regulations to promote inclusive development by ensuring that local communities and their resources actively participate in, and benefit from, development opportunities.
“This is a priority legislation, and efforts towards operationalizing it are highly commendable. The gap of exclusion will be addressed once the regulations are finalized,” said Dr. Erus, urging the technical team to fast-track the process.
County Attorney Ruth Emanikor noted that Turkana is among the first ASAL counties to move toward implementing local content regulations following the enactment of the Local Content Act in 2024. She added that although the Act is aligned with both national and county legislative frameworks, the county will continue learning from other regions where communities have already embraced local content practices even in the absence of formal regulations.
Emanikor commended the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK), with funding support from the Royal Danish Embassy through DANIDA and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), for supporting the process.
The Attorney also highlighted the involvement of the Kenya Law Reform Commission, whose technical expertise is expected to strengthen the quality of the final legislation.
Chief Officer for Partnerships Janerose Tioko underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing the regulatory process, expressing appreciation to RCK and the Kenya Law Reform Commission for their continued support.
She noted that once finalized, the regulations will provide a clear framework guiding engagement between the county government, investors, development partners, and local communities, ensuring that local participation remains central to development initiatives.
The proposed regulations puts in place a framework for developing and executing a local content plan and guides on matters financing, certification, resource mobilization and enforcement of the related laws.
On his part, Hon. Gilbert Topos, the Deputy speaker of the County Assembly pledged to rally the MCAs to support budgetary allocation required to advance implementation of the regulations once it is concluded. the legislation.
The deputy speaker equally commended office of the County Attorney for involving them in the process, noting that it was a big honour to contribute towards laws that empower the local communities.
Peninah Mokaya (UNRCO Lodwar regional office), Berndnt Serway (RCK), Ekai Nabenyo (Ag County Solicitor), Raphael Logum (Director partnerships), Mike Aupe (Deputy Director, partnerships) and Ekal Lokuruka (Director legal services) attended the workshop
