Turkana has mobilised more than Sh20 billion from development partners over the past four years to support implementation of various development programmes.
Deputy Governor John Erus said the county has built a strong working relationship with development partners, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
"To strengthen these partnerships, the county requires all organisations operating in Turkana as development partners to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that guide and align their activities," he said.
The MoUs ensure that development partners' interventions are aligned with the county's development agenda and implemented through the relevant sector working groups.
Erus spoke when the county signed MoUs with the Turkana Development Trust (TDT) and the Cavalry Development Organization to formalise their collaboration.
He described the move as a strategic step to ensure the two organisations align their programmes with the priorities of local communities and the county's development agenda.
"Our target as the county and our partners is to serve the people of Turkana. That is why we need to work closely together," Erus said.
He praised TDT for serving as an umbrella body for local organisations and for promoting transparency and accountability among development partners.
The deputy governor emphasised the need to strengthen local organisations such as TDT and the Cavalry Development Organization, saying they are best placed to sustain investments made by national and international development partners.
The MoUs are part of the county's strategy to ensure programmes are properly coordinated through the Directorate of Partnership and Donor Coordination to avoid wastage, duplication and overlapping of activities.
Turkana Development Trust board chairman Faith Akiru said the signing of the agreement reflects the county government's confidence in the organisation's work.
"From now on, TDT will be free to work with other development partners and serve as the voice of the people within a framework recognised and approved by the county government," she said.
Akiru said TDT aims to create more opportunities for professionals, people from different fields and development partners to contribute meaningfully to the development of Turkana.
The organisation will use the partnership to ensure all stakeholders play a role in transforming the county through various development initiatives.
Lomali Charles of the Cavalry Development Organization said the formal partnership would enable the organisation to join the relevant sector working groups and strengthen its contribution to water, sanitation and hygiene, peace-building, social protection, education and sports.
