Lodwar – 21st August, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Government of Turkana and Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at guiding their collaboration on key development projects based on water access, value addition, and food security in the region.
The County Secretary, Peter Eripete, emphasized the importance of the MoU, stating, “This agreement will elaborate on how we can work together more effectively. We require partnerships like this one with KVDA to address key issues such as livestock breeding, food security, and agricultural development. KVDA’s established systems and connections with cooperative farmers will help us improve market access and agricultural productivity.”
During the signing ceremony, the Chief Officer of Environment and Climate Change Joseph Ekalale highlighted the need to minimize duplication of projects, noting that the MoU is a positive step towards coordinated efforts.
He raised concerns about resource conflicts, particularly regarding grass pasture, and stressed that KVDA should focus on water provision and value addition to products like Gum Arabic, aloe vera, and moringa.
The Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) team, led by Managing Director Sammy Naporos, provided a briefing on several projects it has already completed in Turkana.
The MoU outlines areas of collaboration, including the conservation of arid lands, the introduction and cultivation of mango species, and the distribution of seedlings. Peace resolution and peace-building efforts will also be prioritized, particularly in the management of shared dams in Kaadeng’oi and Lotang’ot, to foster peaceful coexistence and reduce conflicts over resources.
The MoU marks a significant step forward in the partnership between KVDA and the County Government of Turkana, with a shared goal of improving the livelihoods of the people in the region through sustainable development initiatives.
In attendance were chief officer of the Office for the Governor, Paul Lodunga and Chief officer for Economic Planning Samuel Ekaale and officials from KVDA.
