Kakuma- December 19, 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County government, through the Directorate of Environment, has concluded a two-day stakeholder workshop aimed at developing a joint action plan to tackle environmental degradation in Turkana West Sub-County.
Supported by VNG International, the workshop brought together key environmental stakeholders including the county government, UNHCR, LOKADO, BOMA, DRS, Peace Winds Japan, WFP, FilmAid, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), and community-based organizations (CBOs).
The discussions centered on mitigation of the environmental impacts linked to the host community and refugees, particularly in Kakuma and Kalobeyei settlements. The stakeholders acknowledged that while the refugee population has enriched the region’s economy and cultural diversity, it has also placed significant strain on natural resources, including deforestation, environmental degradation, and increased waste generation.
The County Director of Environment, Phoebe Ekali, stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing these challenges.
“Environmental degradation affects both host and refugee communities, who depend on shared resources. This workshop is a critical step towards creating a sustainable joint action plan that balances environmental conservation and human needs,” she stated.
The stakeholders discussed a range of interventions initiatives including reforestation, strategic waste management programs, management of the invasive Prosopis Juli-Flora species, restoration of biodiversity, behavioral change, resource mobilization, and community awareness campaigns.
All the attendees also called for stronger partnerships to support the implementation of these vital interventions.
The workshop’s outcomes will shape a comprehensive action plan aligned with the County’s Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and its goals for sustainable development and climate resilience.
The Directorate of Environment reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the action plan addresses the environmental challenges of Turkana West while fostering peaceful co-existence between host and refugee communities.
The County Government officials present included Acting Director for Natural resources, Pauline Ngoli Pusiye, Assistant Director for Resource Mobilization, Partnerships and Donor Coordination, Michael Aupe, Jacob Mutua, Principal Environment officer, and Francis Emanikor, NEMA Senior Environment officer.
