Turkana County has begun training a multi-sectoral team of government and development partner officers on a new data system intended to guide investment decisions for both host and refugee communities.
The two-day training, which opened this week, focuses on the KISEDP Integrated Management Information System (KIMIS), designed to consolidate scattered development data into a single decision-making tool.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus said the system addresses a long-standing gap in coordinated planning data.
He said KIMIS would help minimize duplication and wastage of resources by giving planners a consolidated view of available information.
Dr. Erus added that the system aligns with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and the Shirika Plan, with the specific goal of unlocking economic potential in agriculture, livestock, trade, transport, regional commerce, and the circular economy.
Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita linked the initiative to the county’s broader economic momentum, citing the resumption of oil and gas drilling and emerging gold mining activity.
He credited residents and security agencies with maintaining the peaceful environment needed to support resource exploitation.
Sateesh Nanduri, Head of the UNHCR Kakuma Sub-Office, said the system’s baseline data has already mapped available skill sets, workforce size and composition, sports and talent pools, registered businesses, and daily plastic waste tonnage relevant to circular economy programs.
He said the data suggests Kakuma is positioned to shift from humanitarian aid models toward more sustainable, self-reliance-driven programming.
Thomas Siele, Kakuma Camp Manager and Head of the Department of Refugee Services, said the combined population, over 300,000 refugees and more than 200,000 host community residents, represents the largest consumer market in the county and the region.
Deputy Director of Partnerships Michael Aupe said implementing partners in the refugee setting will be required to submit additional baseline data before the system goes live for public use.
Training participants are expected to produce a document outlining key market constraints, partnership recommendations, mid- and long-term development plans, and a prioritized list of value chains offering the greatest return on investment.
By Peter Gitonga
