By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 21 May 2026 - Turkana County has approved two major development programmes targeting climate resilience among pastoralists and economic empowerment for youth with disabilities.
The projects, endorsed by the County Steering Group (CSG), will be implemented by Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VSF) Germany and Humanity & Inclusion Kenya.
The meeting was chaired by Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir.
Among the approved interventions is the Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE) programme by VSF Germany, which seeks to strengthen sustainable and climate-resilient pastoral systems across the Horn of Africa.
The six-month programme will be rolled out in Kibish, Lokichogio, Turkana North, Turkana West, Loima and Lokiriama sub-counties, with a focus on improving livelihoods for pastoral communities grappling with climate shocks.
The second initiative, dubbed the Unlocking Opportunity Programme, will be implemented by Humanity & Inclusion Kenya and targets 1,500 youth with disabilities in Turkana.
The programme places special emphasis on inclusion, with women expected to make up 80% of beneficiaries. This is a major boost to people with disabilities (PWDs).
Deputy Director for Resource Mobilisation, Partnerships and Donor Coordination Michael Aupe underscored the need for coordinated engagement among development partners to prevent duplication of projects and ensure fair distribution of resources across the county.
“While many organisations are active in Turkana, there is need to ensure balanced distribution of resources so that no population is left behind,” said Mr Aupe.
He added that all projects presented before the County Steering Group must involve county government teams to enhance ownership and sustainability.
“Any project presented at CSG must be done by a County Government team unless otherwise towards ownership and full understanding of the project,” he said.
Mr Aupe also urged development agencies to actively participate in Sector Working Groups to improve coordination and efficiency in programme implementation.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Kipkorir said the County Steering Group remained critical in aligning development interventions with government priorities and improving service delivery.
Representatives from VSF Germany and Humanity & Inclusion outlined implementation timelines, target areas and expected outcomes of the projects.
The County Drought Coordinator from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), Lordman Lekalkuli, stressed the importance of coordinated planning and timely information sharing in strengthening resilience against recurring climate-related shocks.
The meeting also heard a briefing from the Department of Health and Sanitation on the global status of Ebola Virus Disease and preventive measures required to protect residents.
Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Agnes Mana warned that Turkana remained a high-risk county because of its proximity to international borders.
Mr Aupe further called for an urgent assessment of the impact of rising water levels in Longech’, recommending that the exercise be led by the Kenya Red Cross Society in collaboration with development partners.
Representatives from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, county and national government departments also attended the meeting.
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