Lodwar, May 28, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Secretary, Peter Eripete led a host of senior county officials in a meeting with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), where inclusivity for both the host and refugees in development planning was the main agenda.

The meeting, a significant step towards human rights promotion and fostering community solidarity, also discussed inclusivity in social sectors for both host and refugees in health, water, sanitation, security, climate change, education, and trade.

While highlighting the challenges faced by the refugees, the Assistant Director for KNCHR Programs, Samson Omondi, stressed the need for innovative approaches and strategic partnerships to safeguard the refugees.

CS Peter Eripete confirmed that Turkana had already demonstrated support for the refugees through the issuance of land for settlement and inclusion in the development programs.

The CS noted the need for data-informed approaches to guide future planning for the refugees by the county departments.

“The county is also open to partnerships with the commission and other development agencies on awareness creation on human rights-based approaches to planning and implementing refugee responsive interventions,” the CS stated.

The CS noted that the County Government was already partnering with UNHCR and its implementing agencies to come up with a unified approach for inclusive development for both the refugees and host communities known as the Ushirika plan.

Additionally, participants cited the Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), shared health programs, vocational training, and inclusivity funds as sufficiently inclusive of refugees needs, urging them to take up the opportunities for empowerment.

The meeting was attended and addressed by Deputy County Secretaries Peter Nyanga and Dr. Albert Gamoe, County Executive Committee Members Wangiros James (Public Service, Administration, and Disaster Management), Chief Officers Paul Lodung’a (Office of the Governor), Joseph Epuu (Gender and Youth Affairs), Moses Korea (Social Protection), and Peter Lomorukai (Lands and Physical Planning).

Officials of the KNCHR were also present.