Kalobeyei, 27 November 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The One Health program, known as “Kimormor,” a multi-sectoral initiative targeting the unreached pastoral community along the border, has commenced in Nalapatui, Turkana West.
Turkana County One Health Coordinator Kipkorir Rotich confirmed that the week-long program will cover Nalapatui, Kapetadie, and Nasikiria in Turkana West and Lokichoggio sub-counties. “We will spend three days in Nalapatui before moving to Kapetadie and Nasikiria for the remaining days,” said Rotich.
Now in its 13th edition since its inception in 2017, the integrated outreach model continues to draw strong support from partners, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, Concern Worldwide, DANIDA Transcend Program, WeltHungerHilfe Kenya, International Rescue Committee Core Group Partners’ Project, UNICEF Kenya, and the USAID Imarisha Jamii.
“The program is designed to deliver critical services directly to communities, ensuring no one is left behind,” Rotich said.
A representative of the Kenya Red Cross Society, David Chesire, highlighted the outreach’s alignment with the nomadic lifestyle of pastoralist communities, who often face barriers to accessing health and social services. “In addition to logistical support, we have integrated emergency awareness sensitization to enhance community preparedness to disease and disaster outbreaks,” said Chesire.
The Nalapatui area chief expressed gratitude on behalf of the community, noting that the outreach spares residents the financial burden and inconvenience of traveling to Kakuma or Lokichoggio for essential services. “The outreach has made a significant difference for us,” the chief said.
Gabriel Ekuwam, representing the DANIDA Transcend Program, highlighted the initiative’s role in fostering peace and integration among host and refugee communities, ensuring inclusivity for all residents regardless of their status.
Local residents expressed their satisfaction with the services offered, including animal vaccination and treatment, as well as opportunities to register for birth certificates, identification cards, Social Health Insurance Fund, and climate change initiatives like tree planting and community sensitization.
Plans are underway to plant more than 500 trees at various locations earmarked for service delivery and sensitize the community on the Green Turkana initiative.
“We were informed about this outreach two weeks ago, and today, we found the team ready to serve us. Everyone—herders, mothers, and youth—is impressed by the efficiency and dedication,” said Gabriel Lochilia Eregae, a Nalapatui resident.
