Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has called for increased support towards implementation of the Shirika Plan to accelerate integration of refugees into local economies and strengthen host communities in Turkana.
The Governor spoke at the County Headquarters in Lodwar, while hosting Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Vincenzo Del Monaco and officials from UNHCR for discussions on potential partnerships in water, health, agriculture, trade, social protection and refugee management.
The Shirika Plan is the government’s framework for transitioning refugee camps into integrated settlements that benefit both refugees and host communities.
“Turkana has not only provided land for refugees, but has also hosted them for more than 30 years. It is only fair that we fast-track implementation of the Shirika Plan, to unlock the economic potential of both host communities and refugees,” the Governor said.
Lomorukai noted that Kakuma remains one of the most overstretched areas in the County due to the growing refugee population and declining donor funding.
He added that the County’s main referral facility was under mounting pressure because of the increasing demand for healthcare services, and appealed for support towards construction of the proposed Level 5B hospital.
“In order to serve the growing population with quality healthcare services, the County is developing a new Level 5B hospital estimated to cost about Sh2 billion.
We are seeking support to complete the facility, so that it can serve the transboundary population, host communities and refugees,” he said.
The Governor also requested support towards establishment of a tannery in Kakuma as part of efforts to strengthen the pastoral economy and create employment opportunities.
Ambassador Del Monaco commended Turkana County and UNHCR for their approach to refugee management, saying the County had demonstrated strong leadership in promoting refugee integration and economic inclusion.
“The County has provided real leadership in this sector. Your approach shows commitment towards ensuring refugees contribute to the economic wellbeing of the County and therefore deserves support,” the envoy said.
The Ambassador added that the Government of Italy remains committed to supporting priority areas aligned to the County’s development needs and refugee response programmes.
He also highlighted existing bilateral and multilateral cooperation opportunities that Turkana could benefit from, including the Mattei Plan and leather market partnerships.
The envoy further invited the Governor to the upcoming Italian Day in Kenya, an annual event hosted by the Italian Embassy.
Also present were Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus; CECM for Water Services Willyjustus Akwalata; Chief Officers Pauline Tangarae (Trade), Evans Lomodei (Gender and Youth), Jane Rose Tioko (Partnerships), David Maraka (Agriculture), Robert Loyelei (Vocational Training and Sports), and Paul Lodunga (ECD and Social Protection).
Others included KISEDP Coordinator Peter Yoromoe, Directors Winnie Loposh (Trade), Aaron Nanok (Agriculture), Dr. Benson Longor (Veterinary Services), and advisors Chris Erukudi and Emmanuel Imana.
By Peter Gitonga
