Lodwar, 24th June 2024 (Governor’s Press Service)
The Governor has emphasized on the need to ensure sustainability of projects implemented by development partners in Kakuma Municipality.
Speaking today in Lodwar during a meeting with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Project Steering Committee, he highlighted development gaps and livelihood challenges that necessitate a review of the current programmes.
The County boss noted that despite substantial investments by development organizations in Kakuma, issues like water inaccessibility persist.
He stressed that, “the outcomes do not reflect the investments made.”
The IOM team, led by Kaho Yamaguchi, visited the governor to discuss the United States-funded IOM project titled “Addressing Climate and Environment Induced Mobility in the Semi-Arid and Arid Lands in Kenya.” This climate change adaptation programme aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities in targeted counties.
The Governor praised the visiting delegation and the National Government for their support of County Government programmes, noting that Turkana has greatly benefited from public-private investments. He emphasized on the importance of coordinating efforts in water and livelihood programmes to ensure strategic alignment and avoid project duplication.
He cited the Nakwamoru Model Drip Irrigation project as part of mega food security initiatives by the County Government aimed at boosting food production and reducing reliance on relief aid.
Ms. Yamaguchi pledged continued engagement with county officials on the project’s implementation. She noted that the project includes components on data and research, livelihoods, and water infrastructure.
The project steering committee, which includes government and private sector partners, will be in Kakuma for monitoring and evaluation of the project sites.
County Executive for Lands Peter Akono stressed on the importance of physical land planning to ensure local communities benefit from the programmes being implemented.
Other county officials present included County Chief Officer for Administration and Disaster Management David Maraka, Chief of Staff Peter Loyapan, Advisors Amb. Richard Ekai (Economic) and Ekiru Tulele (Legal).
