Lodwar – 6th October 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development, Beatrice Moe alongside Deputy Governor Dr John Erus conducted an assessment of farms and irrigation schemes supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) in the county.

The exercise included a due diligence mission by a delegation from the WFP, led by the Country Representative, Lauren Landis.

The mission aimed to evaluate refugee operations, self-reliance initiatives, differentiated assistance, urban development, infrastructure and the integration of refugees and host communities. The assessment focused on developing a collaborative approach designed to enhance food production and resilience of livelihoods.

Deputy Governor Dr Erus emphasized the importance of integrated agricultural and water infrastructure, including water pans, irrigation systems, and fishponds, in improving the livelihoods of both refugees and host communities.

“We are committed to an integrated approach where we invest in food hub systems through contract farming, targeting the youth and women to increase yields,” Dr Erus said.

He also highlighted WFP’s efforts in combating persistent acute malnutrition in Turkana.

Cabinet Secretary Moe stressed the importance of revamping irrigation schemes supported by cooperatives of farmers. She pointed out that modern infrastructure for water management, crop production, and seed maize certification would play a key role in improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

“Our priority now is to enhance agricultural production across all value chains in ASAL counties, shifting from relief support to self-reliance and sustainability,” CS Moe stated.

The WFP Representative for Kenya, Landis, outlined the organization’s programs aimed at sustainable agriculture and food security in arid regions. She emphasized the critical need for securing funding for the implementation of the Kenya Resilient Food Systems Programme.

“The bottom line for planning such projects is to ensure food-secure communities, reflected through the devolved systems and structures for development,” Landis added.

The exercise was also attended by Principal Secretary Harsama Kello (Ministry of East African Community, ASALs, and Regional Development), Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita, Katilu Ward Member of County Assembly Etubon Samal, and Director of Agriculture Aaron Nanok.

Field teams from the WFP were also present.