Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has called for increased resources to support the growing refugee population and host communities in the county.
He was addressing a delegation from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The delegation is visiting Kakuma and Kalobeyei to assess the situation on the ground, discuss potential areas for collaboration, and inspect the impact of donor-funded projects.
The delegation is led by German Parliamentary State Secretary Niels Annen.
Lomorukai emphasised the need for additional resources to address the challenges faced by refugees and host communities.
They include water shortages, inadequate education infrastructure, limited healthcare facilities, and a lack of economic opportunities.
The governor expressed his support for the Shirika Plan, a government initiative aimed at mobilising resources and coordinating stakeholders, to implement integration programs between refugees and host communities.
He stressed the importance of county governments playing a key role in the implementation of the plan to ensure the resources benefit the communities.
Lomorukai highlighted the need for more resources to develop entrepreneurship among refugees and host communities.
He commended the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its initiatives in the area.
The governor called for support in megaprojects like the establishment of a Level 5B hospital in Lodwar and Tarach Dam in Turkana West.
Annen termed the integration programme as a 'courageous approach' that is creating opportunities for both refugees and host communities.
He said the visit was an opportunity to understand the broader picture of what the international community can do to support refugees and host communities.
The delegation included Pit Koehler, Head of Division/Humanitarian Assistance, Policy, IOS, Multilateral Coordination, Bettina Schmidt, Deputy Head, Special Initiative Displaced Persons and Hosts (BMZ), UNHCR Kenya deputy representative Ivana Unluova, and UNHCR Head of Sub Office Kakuma, Nanduri Sateesh.
