Governor jeremiah lomorukai has called for increased support towards implementation of the shirika plan to accelerate integration of refugees into local economies and strengthen host communities in turkana. :overnor Jeremiah Lomorukai has called for increased support towards implementation of the Shirika Plan to accelerate integration of refugees into local economies and strengthen host communities in Turkana.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Governor spoke at the County Headquarters in Lodwar, while hosting Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Vincenzo Del Monaco, and officials from UNHCR for discussions on potential partnerships in water, health, agriculture, trade, social protection, and refugee management.
The Shirika Plan is the government’s framework for transitioning refugee camps into integrated settlements that benefit both refugees and host communities. Governor Lomorukai emphasized the importance of fast-tracking the implementation of the Shirika Plan to unlock the economic potential of both host communities and refugees.
Additionally, he highlighted that Kakuma remains one of the most overstretched areas in the County due to the growing refugee population and declining donor funding. Lomorukai also pointed out the pressure on the County’s main referral facility due to increasing demand for healthcare services and appealed for support towards the construction of a proposed Level 5B hospital estimated to cost about Sh2 billion.
Moreover, the Governor requested support for establishing a tannery in Kakuma as part of efforts to strengthen the pastoral economy and create employment opportunities.
Ambassador Vincenzo Del Monaco commended Turkana County and UNHCR for their approach to refugee management, acknowledging the County’s leadership in promoting refugee integration and economic inclusion. He assured that the Government of Italy remains committed to supporting priority areas aligned with the County’s development needs and refugee response programmes.
The Ambassador also highlighted existing bilateral and multilateral cooperation opportunities that Turkana could benefit from, including the Mattei Plan and leather market partnerships. Furthermore, he invited the Governor to the upcoming Italian Day in Kenya, an annual event hosted by the Italian Embassy.
The meeting was attended by various officials, including Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus; CECM for Water Services Willyjustus Akwalata; Chief Officers Pauline Tangarae (Trade), Evans Lomodei (Gender and Youth), Jane Rose Tioko (Partnerships), David Maraka (Agriculture), Robert Loyelei (Vocational Training and Sports), and Paul Lodunga (ECD and Social Protection), among others.
