UK government funded economic empowerment programme to help transform households in Turkana County

A UK government-funded economic empowerment initiative, Kuza Jamii Programme, has been launched in Turkana County, aiming to benefit over 2,000 households and groups in the region.

The initiative has received approval from both the county and national government to begin operations in target areas.

The County Steering Group (CSG), mandated to coordinate all partner interventions in Turkana, cleared the programme to start work, a move praised by deputy governor John Erus.

He described Kuza Jamii as a “highly transformative initiative” that will positively impact residents’ lives.

“We are excited to have this programme in our county, especially at a time when we need partnerships that help tackle our challenges,” Erus said.

The UK-funded initiative is also supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, and targets extremely poor households.

Its aim is to move beneficiaries from extreme poverty to economically resilient, self-reliant groups through a structured poverty graduation model, focusing on sustainable livelihoods rather than short-term relief.

Erus said the plan’s timing is critical, as Turkana continues to face worsening drought that has left many households vulnerable.

He also commended Kuza Jamii for seeking formal clearance through the CSG, saying the approach promotes coordination, accountability and alignment with county priorities.

State Department for Social Development representative Mutuku Kamau said the programme will benefit both host and refugee communities, supporting inclusive social development.

The initiative targets up to 1,500 direct beneficiaries—1,100 from Kalobeyei and Kakuma for refugee inclusion—alongside 500 business groups and 82 Village Savings and Loan Associations.

Currently active in Turkana, Wajir and Samburu counties, the programme combines entrepreneurship training, business start-up grants and the formation of VSLAs, enabling participants to generate sustainable income over time.

County Commissioner Julius Kavita, Jackson Nakusa of the Turkana Professionals Association, and representatives of various partner organisations attended the launch, expressing optimism of its potential to transform livelihoods in the region.