By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 11 June 2026 - Turkana County Government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting self-reliance, resilience and economic empowerment among refugees and host communities.
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and UNHCR Kenya Country Representative Fatuma Mohamed signed the agreement, which seeks to strengthen protection and improve livelihoods through integrated development interventions under the Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Development Programme (KISEDP).
The partnership is expected to support investments in key sectors including water infrastructure, road connectivity and economic empowerment initiatives designed to improve livelihoods and foster peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.
Speaking after the signing, Governor Lomorukai said the agreement reflects Turkana County's commitment to inclusive development and sustainable solutions that benefit all residents.
"Through this partnership, we are investing in critical infrastructure and economic opportunities that will strengthen resilience, improve livelihoods and promote peaceful coexistence among communities," he said.
The governor noted that the county government remains fully committed to implementing the national Shirika Plan, Kenya's flagship refugee integration framework that seeks to transform refugee hosting from a humanitarian response into a development opportunity.
"As we implement the Shirika Plan, we will continue to prioritise inclusive service delivery and sustainable development that benefits both refugees and host communities, fostering shared prosperity and long-term stability," Lomorukai added.
The agreement builds on the success of the Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Development Programme, which was established to promote socio-economic integration between refugees living in Kalobeyei Settlement and the surrounding host communities in Turkana West.
The programme has become a globally recognised model for refugee inclusion by integrating refugees into local development planning and expanding access to education, healthcare, livelihoods and infrastructure.
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UNHCR Country Representative Fatuma Mohamed said strengthening self-reliance among refugees while supporting host communities remains key to building resilient and cohesive societies.
The new partnership is expected to enhance access to essential services, create economic opportunities and reduce vulnerabilities among both refugee and host populations.
Turkana County hosts more than 300,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Burundi. The majority reside in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement.
The signing comes as Kenya continues to implement the Shirika Plan, which was launched by the national government to provide long-term solutions for refugees through socio-economic inclusion, improved service delivery and enhanced collaboration between humanitarian and development actors.
Development partners have hailed the initiative as a transformative approach that not only improves the lives of refugees but also delivers tangible benefits to host communities through shared infrastructure, expanded markets and economic growth.
Officials expressed optimism that the new agreement will further strengthen Turkana's role as a model for refugee-hosting regions while contributing to peace, stability and sustainable development in the county.
Turkana County, UNHCR Sign Deal to Boost Refugee and Host Community Livelihoods
Integration of refugees into local development planning and expanded access to education, healthcare, livelihoods and infrastructure has been lauded.