Lodwar- 17th August 2026 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Government has hosted a delegation team from the World Bank’s Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP), held discussions in Lodwar, focusing on the progress review of the projects.
Speaking during the meeting, the County Secretary Dr. Richard Ekai acknowledged and appreciated the continued bond the county has fostered and shared with the World Bank, pointing out the critical role that HOAGW4RP plays in strengthening water security by building resilience water infrastructure for the nomadic communities.
“As a county, we remain committed to working closely with all partners to ensure that these investments translate into tangible and sustainable benefits to the people of Turkana,” he said.
Dr Ekai emphasized the importance of ensuring groundwater investments are sustainable, community-responsive, and aligned with the county’s development priorities.
He further noted that effective coordination among the county governments, the World Bank, national government agencies, and local communities would be essential to achieving the intended objectives of the project.
County Executive Committee Member for Water Services James Long’ole emphasized the importance of water as a resource that should be available and accessible to the communities.
“Our priority is to ensure development partners respond to the realities and aspirations of our people, we therefore welcome continued engagement with the World Bank and other development partners as we work towards sustainable water solutions and a more resilient Turkana,” he added.
The World Bank delegation team lead Dr James Origa briefed the County Secretary on the project’s objectives , its progress and highlighted the importance of strengthening groundwater development as part of broader efforts to enhance ground water resilience.
” The progress of works for boreholes in batch one is at 37% and batch two at 26% and is expected to be successfully completed in the coming months,” he said.
Turkana County remains committed to building strategic partnerships that deliver sustainable development solutions and improve the livelihoods of its people.
Discussions also entailed the need to strengthen community participation, environmental sustainability, and effective management of groundwater resources to ensure long-term benefits to the communities.
The County and the World Bank reaffirm their commitment to strengthening collaboration and advancing initiatives that will contribute to improved water security, enhanced resilience, and lead to sustainable developments across Turkana County.
In attendance were Simon Etom (CCO, Water Services), Paul Lotum (Director, Water Services ), Patrick Imana (Director Administration), Water Sector Trust Fund WSTF team, World Bank team, Eng Charles Ekeno (County Project Coordinatir) Kenya Water sanitation and Hygiene (KWASH) team, Kelly Lemuya (MD TUWASCO) and Samwuel Ekaran (MD TURWASCO).
