The Turkana County Steering Group has approved two new development projects aimed at strengthening climate-resilient pastoral livelihoods and expanding opportunities for youth with disabilities across the county.
The approvals were made during a County Steering Group meeting chaired by Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir.
The projects will be implemented by Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Germany and Humanity and Inclusion Kenya.
The first intervention, the Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa programme, commonly known as PLACE, will be implemented by VSF Germany.
The six-month programme seeks to promote sustainable and climate-resilient pastoral systems across the Eastern and Horn of Africa region.
In Turkana, the PLACE programme will target Kibish, Lokichogio, Turkana North, Turkana West, Loima, and Lokiriama sub-counties.
It will focus on improving livelihoods among pastoral communities by supporting adaptation to climate change and strengthening resilience in livestock-based systems.
The second project, the Unlocking Opportunity Programme by Humanity and Inclusion Kenya, will target 1,500 youth with disabilities in Turkana.
The initiative places strong emphasis on inclusion, with 80 percent of beneficiaries expected to be women and 20 percent men.
Speaking during the meeting, Deputy Director for Resource Mobilisation, Partnerships and Donor Coordination, Michael Aupe, emphasised the need for coordinated engagement among development partners to avoid duplication and ensure equitable distribution of projects across sub-counties.
He said many organisations are active in Turkana, but there is a need to ensure that resources are balanced across the county so that no population is left behind.
Aupe noted that the County Government plays a guiding role in development initiatives to ensure sustainability, ownership, and measurable impact.
“Any project presented at CSG must be done by a County Government team unless otherwise towards ownership and full understanding of the project,” Aupe reiterated.
He also urged development partners to actively participate in Sector Working Groups to enhance coordination, improve efficiency, and align programme implementation with county priorities.
Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir said the County Steering Group plays a critical role in coordinating development interventions and ensuring they support government priorities for effective service delivery.
Representatives from VSF Germany and Humanity & Inclusion presented their proposed interventions to the steering group, outlining implementation timelines, thematic areas, target locations, and expected outcomes for communities in Turkana.
County Drought Coordinator from the National Drought Management Authority, Lordman Lekalkuli, underscored the importance of coordinated planning and timely information sharing in strengthening resilience and improving responses to recurring climate-related shocks affecting the county.
The meeting also received a briefing from the Department of Health and Sanitation, led by Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Agnes Mana, on the global status of Ebola Virus Disease and the preventive measures required. She noted that Turkana remains a high-risk county due to its proximity to international borders.
Aupe further called for an urgent impact assessment on rising water levels in Longech’, recommending that the Kenya Red Cross Society lead the exercise in collaboration with other development partners.
Representatives from the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office, county and national government departments also attended the meeting.
The approval of the two programmes marks a significant step in strengthening resilience, inclusion, and coordinated development across Turkana County.