The World Vision has handed over three critical infrastructures worth millions of shillings to cushion over 1200 households and about 50,000 cattle in Turkana County from vagaries of harsh climatic conditions in the area.
The infrastructures comprise of a 3.8 kilometers water pipeline, two water pans and climate smart agriculture projects installed in Turkana west sub county.
The projects were funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) over a three-year period and jointly implemented by World Vision Kenya, the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), UNHCR, and Norwegian Refugee Council.
The program focused on improving water access, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and enhancing quality livelihoods in the expansive county.
Similar projects have been implemented under the Kalobeyei Integrated Drought Response Program (KDREAM) include climate smart agricultural practices.
According to a report by World Vision, the water pipeline, water kiosk, and livestock watering trough will serve 250 households. Additionally, an ECD centre will serve over 300 pupils.
‘Two water pans with a 26,000 cubic meter capacity, will benefit 1,246 households and 50,000 livestock,’ said KDREAM Project Manager, Engineer Anthony Oyugi.
With regards to Climate-Smart Agriculture, 332 households were trained and adopted climate-smart technologies.
They were also trained on soil and water conservation, post-harvest management, and small stock management.
Other projects included distribution of assorted agricultural inputs, including seeds (okra, sorghum, kale, spinach, watermelon, jute mallow), farm tools, tanks, gutters, and hermetic bags.
Another component was the distribution of 2,170 chicks and 319 Galla goats to enhance agro-pastoral production.
County Executive committee member for Water Services, Patrick Losike Lokaimoe, received the projects on behalf of the County Government from World Vision’s Director for Disaster Management, William Omole, during a ceremony in Kalobeyei.
Lokaimoe expressed gratitude to the financiers and implementing agencies, acknowledging their significant contribution to improving the livelihoods of both host and refugee communities in Turkana West.
He assured stakeholders that sustainability measures were in place, including regular technical assessments to address repair needs and provide guidance to beneficiaries.
“The KDREAM program has greatly contributed to resilience-building as envisioned, and such partnerships should be encouraged,” CEC Lokaimoe emphasized.
The program also supported poultry farming and the rearing of improved Galla goats to strengthen community livelihoods.
By Peter Gitonga
