Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai on Thursday hosted UNHCR Country Representative Fatima Mohamed at the county headquarters in Lodwar during which the two signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Achieving Self-Reliance and Protection through Integrated Resilience and Empowerment (ASPIRE) that targets both refugee and host communities.

The framework, implemented under the Kakuma Integrated Socio-Economic Development Programme (KISEDP), recognises strategic investments in water infrastructure, road connectivity and economic resilience as peace dividends.

The interventions are intended to reduce resource-based conflict drivers, strengthen cross-border cooperation and reinforce stability by linking self-reliance, livelihoods and conflict prevention across the Ateker region.

Governor Lomorukai welcomed the initiative and emphasised the need to prioritise investments in water, health and education sectors, noting that the growing population in Kakuma Municipality is straining available resources and the environment.

He acknowledged the invaluable support provided by UN agencies in complementing government programmes and appealed for collaboration in implementing the Tarach Dam project, which he said would address water scarcity and enhance irrigated food production.

Lomorukai further underscored the need for UNHCR to scale up investments among both host and refugee communities to strengthen integration. He also urged other development partners to sign similar MoUs with the County Government to ensure alignment with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and avoid duplication of projects.

UNHCR Country Representative Fatima Mohamed lauded the county government and the people of Turkana for their generosity and hospitality towards refugees.

She affirmed UNHCR’s commitment to supporting initiatives to transition communities from dependency to economic self-reliance. She echoed Governor Lomorukai’s call for the implementation of the Tarach Dam project, emphasising its importance in addressing the challenges.

Head of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Kakuma, Nanduri Sateesh, noted that the next phase of KISEDP, scheduled to commence in 2028, will align with the Shirika Plan, which seeks to create sustainable economic opportunities within Kakuma Municipality.

County Executive Committee Member for Health Joseph Epem said the department had gazetted health facilities and deployed Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in refugee camps as part of the roadmap towards integrating refugee and host communities.

Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir assured residents that the government would continue providing security for both host communities and refugee.

Also present during the signing ceremony were County Secretary Richard Ekai, County Attorney Ruth Emanikor, County KISEDP Coordinator Peter Yoromoe and Chief of Staff Peter Loyapan.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Peter Gitonga