Turkana Deputy Governor Dr John Erus speaking when he hosted Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Matsuura Hiroshi(L), in Loswar town/HANDOUT

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The Japanese government has committed to expanding support for service delivery programmes benefiting both residents of Turkana county and refugees hosted in the region.

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Turkana Deputy Governor John Erus hosted Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Matsuura Hiroshi, during a tour of the county to assess ongoing projects funded by Japan and implemented through various partners.

The envoy said Japan would continue supporting integrated service models that serve both host communities and refugees, noting the approach has improved access to essential services in the region.

“Together with my team, we have toured health facilities and gender-based violence recovery centres run by various partners and supported by the Government of Japan,” Hiroshi said.

He added that there was a need to deepen cooperation to sustain and expand projects aimed at improving livelihoods for both communities.

“We are looking at ways we can continue partnering so that we provide more support to projects and services that target the Turkana people who host the refugee community,” he said.

Hiroshi also commended the county government and communities for their continued support for refugees over the years.

In Turkana, Japan has been supporting programmes through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Kenya Red Cross Society, the United Nations Population Fund, the International Rescue Committee and Peace Winds Japan, among other implementing partners.

These organisations are involved in sectors such as healthcare, water, gender-based violence response and social protection.

Data from the Kenya Health Information Syste shows that more than 10,000 women have accessed skilled delivery services, while about 400,000 have benefited from reproductive health education in the region.

In addition, over 20,000 people have received gender-based violence recovery support, including psychosocial care.

Erus said the county had recorded significant transformation through Japan-funded programmes and partnerships.

“We recently signed multimillion shillings agreements with JICA to support our water utility companies and their infrastructure in Kakuma and Lodwar,” he said.

He also noted that Peace Winds Japan had developed a modern garage in Kalobeyei, while the Kenya Red Cross and IRC continue to provide essential health and social protection services.

“This is a strategic partnership that delivers results, and the county appreciates it greatly,” Erus said.

He added that the county government remains committed to strengthening cooperation with Japan and all implementing partners to address both emerging and long-standing needs of local communities and refugees, particularly in infrastructure and essential services.

The visit underscored ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration aimed at improving resilience and service delivery in the region.