Lodwar – June 23, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Government, in partnership with TUPADO and CBM Global Disability Inclusion, has reviewed key Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Climate Change policies to strengthen disability inclusion in county planning and emergency response systems.
The review assessed the County Climate Change Policy (2021), Climate Change Act (2021), and Disaster Risk Management Policy (2019) to determine how well they address the needs and rights of persons with disabilities in disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and development planning.
The exercise comes amid increasing climate-related shocks affecting vulnerable communities, including the ongoing Lake Turkana backflow situation, which has heightened the urgency for inclusive disaster response systems.
Alex Maragachi from the Department of Social Protection led the policy review, outlining existing provisions and identifying gaps in disability inclusion.
Director for Resource Mobilisation, Partnerships and Donor Coordination Raphael Logum emphasised the need to mainstream disability inclusion across county programmes.
“Development policies and programmes must be inclusive and responsive to the needs of all members of society, including persons with disabilities,” he said.
National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Director Benson Ebei noted that persons with disabilities face greater risks during disasters and climate emergencies, calling for stronger inclusion measures.
Assistant Director for Disaster Risk Management Achilo Christopher stressed the importance of rapid assessments in generating data that guides response, recovery, and resilience-building efforts.
He cited the Lake Turkana backflow situation as a current example where such assessments remain essential in informing intervention strategies.
Abel Lotot of TUPADO highlighted the Turkana Inclusive Livelihood and Resilience Programme (TILRP II), which supports vulnerable communities through inclusive development approaches.
Anthony Kimani from CBM Global Disability Inclusion guided participants through the Disaster Risk Management Cycle, emphasising the need to align county policies with disability-inclusive practices.
Key recommendations from the forum included mandatory representation of persons with disabilities in decision-making structures, collection of disability-disaggregated data, inclusive emergency preparedness and climate adaptation planning. It also includes accessible communication systems, and increased awareness of mental health and rehabilitation services.
The review brought together officials from county departments, development partners, humanitarian organisations, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) from Kang’atosa and Kalokol wards.
