The County Government through the Department of Resource Mobilisation, Partnerships and Donor Coordination (RMPDC), convened a Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) workshop, bringing together more than 20 faith-based organisations operating across Turkana County to align their interventions with the County’s development agenda.
Supported by Sustainable Approaches for Community Empowerment (SAPCONE), the workshop aimed to understand the existing implementations of faith-based organisations across the county and to map their geographic and thematic areas of operation so that the RMPDC department can align FBO projects with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) pillars, avoiding duplication and ensuring resources reach all sub-counties equitably.
In his remarks, Director of Resource Mobilisation, Partnerships and Donor Coordination, Raphael Logum, emphasized the need for structured engagement between the County and faith-based actors.
He noted that the department was established to ensure no part of Turkana is left behind in development.
“We want to ensure that resources address the challenges faced by the people of Turkana, especially in underserved areas.
Currently, most partners are concentrated in Turkana Central and Turkana West, leaving other sub-counties with limited support,” said Logum.
Deputy Director of Resource Mobilisation, Partnerships and Donor Coordination, Michael Aupe, explained the benefits FBOs stand to gain through the CIDP as an integrated development tool, noting that formal alignment would open co-funding and sustainability pathways.
“The CIDP is not just a government document; it is a shared roadmap. When FBOs align with it, we can together address gaps, avoid duplication and implement interventions that have lasting impact,” said Aupe.
Representing the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), Susan Aletia, appreciated the department for convening the workshop, noting that FBOs play a critical role in reaching the most remote communities in Turkana.
She called for the inclusion of FBOs in coordination platforms such as Sector Working Groups and emphasized the need for strengthened communication among development actors.
She added that the long-term goal is to achieve fully integrated development coordination where the County Government has visibility of all new, ongoing and completed projects.
Aletia further added that the long-term vision is to see fully integrated development coordination where the County Government is aware of all new and closing projects.
Each FBO present was given the opportunity to share their geographic and thematic areas of operation, enabling the RMPDC department to map and align FBO projects with the CIDP priorities.
FBOs represented included the Diocese of Lodwar, AIC Health Ministries, Compassion International, Children of the Kingdom, Missions of Hope International, Serv Turkana, Convoy of Hope, Calvary Development Organisation, Turkana Development Trust, Islamic Foundation for Integrated Programmes and Full Gospel Churches of Kenya, among many others.
By Peter Gitonga
