Lodwar- February 19, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The county government led by the Acting County Secretary, Joseph Nyanga, met with VNG International to discuss VNGI’s planned activities for Turkana in 2025, aligned with the county government’s development plan.
The purpose of this workshop was to
explore ways to maximize collaboration, co-implementation, and joint planning towards tapping into cohesive
governance and resource sharing and mobilization for maximum impact.
In his opening remarks, the Acting CS called on all directors to walk the talk through clear strategic plans and assured VNGI of county government support alongside other development partners.
“The government is committed to supporting development partners to provide additional support, and we encourage partners to familiarise themselves with the local content bill,” he said.
Isaiah Ekai, VNG International representative, gave an overview of the workshop and highlighted the activities, affirming that VNGI is working on ensuring the counties they work in feel supported.
“Local governments have a significant role to play in achieving sustainable development. Our role as VNGI is to build the capacities of government officers to improve service delivery through governance,” said Isaiah.
The Deputy Director for Resource Mobilisation, Partnerships, and Donor Coordination, Michael Aupe, called on VNGI to schedule periodical reviews and allow county government flexibility in re-adjusting activities aligned with the changes in priorities within county government.
On the other hand, the Director, Resource Mobilisation, Partnerships and Donor Coordination, Raphael Logum, appreciated VNGI efforts in Turkana through recognising significance of technical officers’ role and building their capacities and thereby increasing visibility.
The directors reviewed the listed activities and, in a participatory approach, aligned each activity within government objectives, outlining each of their targets, outputs, outcomes, and perceived long-term impact.
DCS Nyanga also shared seven reasons why such a workshop is relevant, including alignment of priorities between county government and development partners, enhanced coordination between several departments, increased transparency and accountability, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation to track progress, mapping and harmonious resource mobilization ensuring survival and reduced donor dependency.
Senior county government officials present included Festus Imuton (Advisor to the Governor on Gender & Partnerships) and Peter Yoromoe (Coordinator, KISEDP).
Other directors and department representatives present included Ekai Nabenyo (Director, Legal Services), Phoebe Ekali
(Director, Environmental Services), Isaac Eregae (Director, ICT and E-Government), Christopher Eregae (Director, Administration, Office of the Deputy Governor), David Edoket (Director, Municipality), Esther Mwangi (Assistant Director, Public Communication and Media Relations), Ebei Paul (Senior Economist, Economic Planning), Michael Ekwanga (Assistant Director, M&E), Wilson Ejie (Acting Director, Trade), Halima Dubah (Deputy Manager, Kakuma Municipality), and Julius Ekal (Economist and KISEDP Secretariat Member).
