Kakuma, 4th February 2025 (Governor’s Press Service)—Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai today launched a Risk-Sharing Facility in Kakuma, aimed at improving financial access for underserved communities, including refugees and host populations.
The initiative, supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Equity Bank, will enable easier lending to these communities in Turkana West.
Governor Lomorukai emphasised the facility’s role in promoting financial inclusion and called for additional support to address water shortages in the region. He highlighted plans to develop the Tarach Dam to tackle water challenges and boost agricultural investment. The Governor also urged partners to back programmes targeting youth and women to reduce unemployment and build economic resilience.
He praised existing initiatives like the Kakuma-Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF) for transforming lives in Turkana West and stressed the county’s potential in livestock and fisheries, calling for further investment in these sectors.
Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Okoth Nyabanda said the programme was specifically designed for underserved communities. “We are focused on the impact this will have and scaling it up. This is a good testament to how you create resilience in communities. If it succeeds, it presents an opportunity for refugees worldwide,” he said. The bank also plans to expand its Equity Afya health facilities in Turkana.
UK Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director to Kenya, Leigh Stubblefield, expressed optimism about the facility’s potential and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening partnerships with the County Government. She also highlighted the importance of the Shirika Plan in driving development.
Commissioner for Refugee Affairs John Mburugu commended the World Bank and IFC for supporting financial inclusion, noting that the initiative demonstrates refugees are bankable and can contribute to host communities.
IFC Regional Director for Eastern Africa, Mary Porter Peschka, described the facility as a groundbreaking global initiative. She thanked Turkana County for its collaboration and reiterated IFC’s commitment to fostering business growth in underserved regions.
Deputy Governor Dr John Erus and County Commissioner Julius Kavita also spoke at the event. Other leaders present included former Cabinet Secretary John Munyes and MCAs Gilbert Topos (Lopur), Eliud Emoni (Kakuma), and Julius Edung (Kalobeyei).
Senior County officials accompanying the Governor included Deputy County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a, County Executives Dr Michael Eregae (Finance), Faith Aletea (Lands), Roseline Aite (Trade), Chief Officer for Trade Pauline Tang’arae, and Economic Advisor Dr Richard Ekai.
