Jackson Lochokon hails from the arid landscapes of Turkana County in Kenya, a place where water scarcity is a constant struggle.
He was born in Lomelo and went to school in Kapedo, a bandit hotspot that saw 21 police officers killed by bandits in 2014.
Many Kenyans know it as the ‘’valley of death’’.
"I was born in Lomelo, schooled in Kapedo, a bandit hotspot known to every Kenyan. This meant that I had a life like a child born in South Sudan war-torn in my early years," Lochokon states.
Kapedo lies in the Suguta Valley, which is one of the areas with high concentrations of fluorides in water.
He explains that it was normal for them in the village to drink such water, as there was no option then.
"As I grew up and travelled out for studies, I discovered it is possible to treat any kind of water to have it potable and safe for drinking. This has helped shape my move towards water engineering and hence help the world's needy to get safe drinking water all over the globe," he said.
Lochokon never knew his struggling journey at the village would lead him to a role where he would be at the forefront of providing life's most essential resource – water – to those who need it the most.
In 1997, Lochokon embarked on a path that would define his life's purpose.
He joined Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Lokichogio, Kenya, as a regional staff member, extending his support to MSF Belgium's operations in Sudan.
He says this experience marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to humanitarian work.
As the years unfolded, he transitioned into an international role with MSF Holland in 2002.
Initially, he served as a Logistics Officer, a role that took him to various corners of the world, from Africa to Asia and Eastern Europe.
‘’In 2018, I decided to specialize in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), an area I had formal training and, more importantly, a field that directly addressed the pressing needs of beneficiaries. It was a departure from logistics, which primarily operated in a support capacity, Lochokon said.
His first significant assignment in the realm of WASH was during the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh in 2018.
For six months, I served as a WatSan Manager, witnessing the profound impact of providing clean water and sanitation facilities amid a humanitarian catastrophe.
In 2019, his journey led him to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically South Kivu.
"Here, I took on the role of a Mission Technical Referent, WASH, dedicating two years to serving communities in need. My experience in DRC was transformative, and I found myself increasingly drawn to emergency response work," Lochokon narrated.
In 2021, he returned to Bangladesh as a WatSan Team Leader, where he spent another year.
During this time, MSF Holland's Emergency Support Desk recognized his potential and recruited him as a member of the emergency team.
He was entrusted with the role of WatSan Team Leader/Coordinator.
What inspired his journey into humanitarian work?
"The answer lies in my past. I had the privilege of receiving an education supported by a missionary society. This act of kindness and humanitarianism left an indelible mark on me, instilling a profound desire to pay it forward when the opportunity presented itself," Lochokon said.
He however says the path of a humanitarian is fraught with challenges, especially when coordinating WASH emergency responses in complex environments like DRC.
"Emergencies often strike without warning, and organizations may lack the immediate resources, both human and financial, to respond swiftly.
The greatest challenge lies in the speed and coordination required for an effective response.
MSF, being a medical organization, is often among the first on the ground,’’ he explained.
As a Kenyan professional working in DRC, he says bridging cultural differences and building relationships with local partners and communities is paramount.
He says their focus is always on connecting with the communities we serve, ensuring their acceptance of our work and the security of our teams.
We also employ local staff, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.
"Humanitarian work is deeply fulfilling. The act of making a difference in the lives of those who have little is a privilege beyond measure. My journey from Turkana to Goma is a chapter in a tale that continues to unfold," Lokochon advised.
"With unwavering belief, I urge my fellow Kenyans to stand as sentinels of compassion, for our actions can rewrite the narratives of lives shattered by the storm of crises."
