Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has called for increased resources to support the growing refugee population and host communities in the county.
He was addressing a delegation from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development who are visiting the county to inspect the impact of donor-funded projects.
The delegation, led by Parliamentary State Secretary Niels Annen, is visiting Kakuma and Kalobeyei to assess the situation on the ground and discuss potential areas for collaboration.
Lomorukai emphasized the need for additional resources to address the challenges faced by refugees and host communities, including water shortages, inadequate education infrastructure, limited healthcare facilities, and lack of economic opportunities.
The Governor expressed his support for the Shirika Plan, a government initiative aimed at mobilizing resources and coordinating stakeholders to implement integration programs between refugees and host communities. However, he stressed the importance of County Governments playing a key role in the implementation of the plan to ensure that resources benefit the communities.
The Governor highlighted the need for more resources to develop entrepreneurship among refugees and host communities, and commended the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its initiatives in this area. He also called for support in mega projects such as the establishment of a Level 5B hospital in Lodwar and the Tarach Dam in Turkana West.
Parliamentary State Secretary Niels Annen praised the integration programme in Turkana West as a “courageous approach” that is creating opportunities for both refugees and host communities. He said the visit was an opportunity to understand the broader picture of what the international community can do to support refugees and host communities.
The delegation included Pit Koehler, Head of Division / Humanitarian Assistance, Policy, IOS, Multilateral Coordination, Bettina Schmidt, Deputy Head, Special Initiative Displaced Persons and Hosts (BMZ), UNHCR Kenya Deputy Representative Ivana Unluova and UNHCR Head of Sub Office Kakuma Nanduri Sateesh.
By Peter Gitonga
