The County Government of Turkana, in collaboration with the Mennonite Church, has completed the second and final phase of a relief food distribution program that reached 1,300 households struggling with poverty and hunger.
The two-day exercise was carried out in Kanamkemer, Lodwar, and Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana West.
It was led by Deputy County Secretary (DCS) Joseph Nyang’a, with the participation of the County Commissioner’s office and other national and local administrative officials.
Speaking during the distribution, DCS Nyang’a reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity through both immediate interventions and long-term solutions.
“Due to the harsh climatic conditions and persistent droughts in Turkana, emergency food distribution remains necessary. However, we are also working with partners to promote irrigation, livestock support, and agriculture as sustainable solutions,” he said.
Senior Assistant County Commissioner for Turkana Central, Andrew Mutuma, urged beneficiaries to make the most of the assistance.
“As Government, we are concerned when children drop out of school or when people fail to register for Social Health Insurance. As you take this food, ensure children remain in school and households register for SHA,” he emphasized.
Representing the Mennonite Church, Francis Ojwang, Director of Missions, said the food support was made possible through donations channeled by Mennonite Development Services, the church’s peace and development arm.
“Our faith compels us to act. As we preach the gospel, we must also meet the needs of the hungry. This food aid is both nourishment for the body and encouragement for the soul,” he said.
For many recipients, the food came as a much-needed lifeline.
“I am an elderly man caring for my children and grandchildren. Before the first phase, we were barely surviving. This second phase is a big boost,” said Samuel Emanman, one of the beneficiaries.
Chaku Change, a refugee living in Kakuma camp, also welcomed the support, noting it would help fill gaps left by dwindling humanitarian assistance.
The initiative highlights the impact of partnerships between government and faith-based organizations in addressing hunger while working toward long-term resilience in Turkana.