LOKICHOGGIO: Hundreds of Toposa pastoralists from South Sudan, currently in Lokichoggio, have received relief food from the Turkana County Government. The aid, consisting of 200 bags of maize and cooking oil, aims to meet the basic needs of the migrant herders seeking pasture in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, the relief effort was led by David Maraka, County Chief Officer for Administration and Disaster Management, along with other local officials including Obed Echip, the Lokichoggio sub-county administrator. The distribution is part of a broader strategy to foster peaceful co-existence and address the needs of cross-border pastoralists.
The initiative builds on previous efforts, such as the County’s Kimormor program, which provides animal health services. Turkana County is also working on joint resource-sharing committees to ensure sustainable use of resources, following an intercommunity dialogue focused on peace and disarmament in the region.
The Turkana County Government has extended similar peace-building initiatives to neighboring communities. Last month, relief food was distributed to the Pokot community in Kapedo, a historically conflict-prone area.
Obed Echip noted the successful organization of the pastoralists into groups for efficient food distribution. The aid provides dietary diversity beyond their traditional reliance on animal products. A beneficiary highlighted the importance of peace in enabling such assistance and encouraged continued efforts to maintain harmony.
The Toposa herders have also shown willingness to share agricultural skills, such as sorghum cultivation, with Turkana residents, potentially aiding in food production and security.
The food distribution, supported by other government officials like Triza Amoni, Chief Officer for Energy and Mineral Resources, is set to continue throughout the festive season, providing relief to families affected by prolonged drought in Turkana.