Governor for Turkana (L) with Italian envoy to Kenya Vincenzo Del Monaco who visited Turkana countyTurkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has raised concern over reduced donor funding.
Lomorukai said this is straining key public facilities such as hospitals that serve both refugees and host communities around Kakuma.
The governor said the growing refugee population in the region, coupled with shrinking external support, has placed increasing pressure on county services, particularly health facilities.
He called for stronger support for the Shirika Plan, which aims to integrate refugees into local economies while strengthening host communities in Turkana.
“We need to have the Shirika Plan on track so that we move towards the integration of refugees into local communities, with a key focus on strengthening the host communities,” he said.
The governor spoke in Lodwar during a meeting with Italian Ambassador to Kenya Vincenzo Del Monaco and officials from UNHCR. Their discussions focused on potential partnerships in water, health, agriculture, trade, social protection and refugee management.
He noted that Kakuma remains one of the most overstretched areas in the county, warning that demand for healthcare services continues to rise even as funding declines.
Lomorukai said plans are underway to construct a new Level 5B hospital estimated to cost about Sh2 billion to ease pressure on existing facilities.
“We are seeking support to complete the facility so that it can serve the transboundary population, host communities and refugees,” he said.
He also proposed the establishment of a tannery in Kakuma to boost the pastoral economy and create jobs.
Ambassador Del Monaco praised Turkana county and UNHCR for their approach to refugee management, saying the region had demonstrated strong leadership in promoting integration and economic inclusion.
