Lodwar, April 16, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus on Wednesday hosted Jaco Beerends, the Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kenya, during a courtesy visit to the County Government.
The envoy was accompanied by representatives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF, UNHCR and the World Bank — five partners implementing projects funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in climate change, humanitarian services, natural resources governance, inclusive financing and systems strengthening under the PROSPECTS partnership.
Dr. Erus used the meeting to call for a change of approach in the implementation of the Shirika Plan, saying current strategies for host-refugee integration risk failure unless the county and private sector-led solutions are empowered to take the lead.
He cited the IFC-led Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF), enterprise de-risking services by Equity Bank and the similar business financing models by Inkomoko as programs that have had a major impact on the lives and livelihoods of both host and refugee communities.
“In addition to the projects already showing great promise, the PROSPECTS partnership should also consider investing in Tarach Dam and tapping the Napuu aquifer to provide a lasting solution to the water access challenge in Turkana,” Dr. Erus said.
The envoy said the Kingdom of the Netherlands was planning to further extend support to implementing partners, noting that the county had demonstrated a clear understanding of its goals and how to achieve them.
The meeting also featured presentations from players in key sectors including water, education, social protection, prosopis management and vocational training.
Also present were Deputy County Secretary for Administration Joseph Nyanga, CECM for Water Services Willyjustus Elim, Chief Officer for Vocational Training Robert Loyelei, Chief Officer for Partnerships Jane Rose Tioko, Director for Vocational Training Stephen Eregae, IFC/World Bank representative Peter Lolem, and officials from State departments.
