Lodwar: Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Matsuura Hiroshi, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting models that provide services to both host and refugee communities in Turkana. He was speaking when he paid a courtesy call to Turkana Deputy Governor, Dr John Erus, in Lodwar.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Ambassador noted the importance of continued support for health facilities and gender-based violence recovery centres run by various partners and supported by the Government of Japan. These efforts aim to sustain the services offered to the communities. Japan’s government has been providing assistance through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Kenya Red Cross Society, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Rescue Committee (IRC), and Peace Winds Japan as leading implementing partners.
Official data from the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS) indicates that more than 10,000 women accessed skilled delivery, nearly 400,000 received reproductive health education and contraceptive services, and about 20,000 benefited from GBV recovery services, including psychosocial support. The Deputy Governor highlighted the significant transformation achieved through Japan-funded partnerships, including a recent multi-million agreement with JICA to support water utility companies in Kakuma and Lodwar.
Dr Erus expressed the county’s commitment to deepening partnerships with Japan and implementing agencies in Turkana to effectively address emerging needs. He also advocated for further support to enhance the understanding of the Shirika Plan among the local population and agencies. UNFPA Deputy Representative Pilar de la Corte Molina emphasized the Shirika Plan as a key pillar in designing interventions for equitable benefits to host and refugee populations.
During the visit, presentations were made by implementing partners and government agencies. County officials in attendance included Finance CECM Roseline Aite, County Attorney Ruth Emanikor, Partnerships Chief Officer Jane Rose Tioko, Water Chief Officer Simon Etom, Partnerships Director Raphael Logum, ECDE Director Ezekiel Kulal, Deputy Director for Partnerships Mike Aupe, Felix Marangach of Social Protection, and representatives of UNFPA, IRC, Kenya Red Cross, UNRCO, and Peace Winds Japan.
