Letea: The Turkana County Government, in partnership with the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), has intensified public engagement activities in Letea, Turkana West Sub-County, to prepare residents for the election of members to the Community Conservancy Board. The initiative seeks to strengthen community participation in natural resource management while laying the foundation for effective governance of the proposed conservancy.
According to Kenya News Agency, the ongoing programme includes stakeholder consultations, community capacity building, and the development of a Community Conservancy Action Plan aimed at equipping residents with the knowledge required to participate meaningfully in the election process. The exercise is being led by County Director of Natural Resources Pauline Ng’oli and NRT Team Lead Moses Kinapu in collaboration with local administrators, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
Speaking during the public engagement forum, Ng’oli stated that the process is intended to ensure the Community Conservancy Board is established in accordance with the law and begins operating on a strong institutional foundation. She emphasized the importance of working closely with administrative structures, local institutions, community leaders, and residents to establish a board that will effectively manage the proposed conservancy. Ng’oli noted that involving local communities from the outset would enhance transparency, accountability, and community ownership of conservation programmes.
Residents welcomed the initiative, expressing that the training had increased their understanding of the community conservancy model and prepared them to elect capable leaders. Letea resident Mariao Peyonon remarked, “We now have a better understanding of the community conservancy model and how it operates. As a community, we feel ready for the elections.”
NRT Team Lead Moses Kinapu highlighted the importance of conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, noting that residents could choose board members through either a secret ballot or consensus, depending on what the community agreed. Kinapu cited successful examples from conservancies such as Nasalot, where community conservancy boards have strengthened natural resource management, promoted environmental conservation, and improved livelihoods.
The County Government and NRT are promoting the community conservancy model in Letea and other parts of Turkana West to enhance environmental conservation, encourage community participation in natural resource governance, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local residents.
