Lodwar: Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai hosted UNHCR Country Representative Fatima Mohamed at the County Headquarters, where the two signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Achieving Self-Reliance and Protection through Integrated Resilience and Empowerment (ASPIRE), targeting both refugee and host communities.

According to Kenya News Agency, the framework is implemented under the Kakuma Integrated Socio-Economic Development Programme (KISEDP) and focuses on strategic investments in water infrastructure, road connectivity, and economic resilience as peace dividends. These interventions aim to reduce resource-based conflict drivers, enhance cross-border cooperation, and reinforce stability across the Ateker region by linking self-reliance, livelihoods, and conflict prevention.

Governor Lomorukai emphasized the importance of prioritizing investments in water, health, and education sectors, as the growing population in Kakuma Municipality continues to strain existing resources. He acknowledged the crucial support provided by UN agencies in complementing government efforts and called for collaboration on the Tarach Dam project to address water scarcity and boost irrigated food production.

The Governor also highlighted the need for UNHCR to increase investments in both host and refugee communities to foster integration. He urged other development partners to enter similar agreements with the County Government to align with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and prevent project duplication.

UNHCR Country Representative Fatima Mohamed praised the County Government and the Turkana people for their generosity towards refugees. She reiterated UNHCR's commitment to supporting initiatives that transition communities from dependency to self-reliance and echoed the importance of the Tarach Dam project.

Nanduri Sateesh, Head of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Kakuma, noted the alignment of the next phase of KISEDP with the Shirika Plan, scheduled to begin in 2028, which aims to create sustainable economic opportunities in Kakuma Municipality.

County Executive Committee Member for Health, Joseph Epem, mentioned the gazetting of health facilities and deployment of Community Health Promoters in refugee camps as part of integrating refugee and host communities. Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir assured residents of continued government security support for both communities.

The signing ceremony was also attended by County Secretary Dr. Richard Ekai, County Attorney Ruth Emanikor, County KISEDP Coordinator Peter Yoromoe, and Chief of Staff Peter Loyapan.