KVDA inks a MoU with Turkana County Government on sustainable livelihood schemes
Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) and the County Government of Turkana have entered into a partnership to jointly undertake development activities within the county.
KVDA MD Sammy Naporos(right) and Turkana County Secretary (center) Peter Eripete signing MoU at the latter’s office in Lodwar.
The partnership will leverage sustainable project development and resource mobilization by exploring the shared competencies of the parties that will lead to a successful implementation of well-designed and resourced programs.
Among the identified projects that are of focus are food security projects such as Napuu and Loyapat, climate-smart agriculture, mango production, livestock and pasture seed development, fisheries development in Kalokol town, climate change mitigation and conservation programs, water harvesting and storage for agricultural activities and domestic use, peace initiatives and resource mobilization.
While signing the partnership deal, KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos said the synergy will ensure successful project implementation besides ensuring there is no duplication of the programs.
KVDA MD Sammy Naporos (second right) and Turkana County Secretary Peter Eripete (second left) pose after signing the MoUs at the latter’s office in Lodwar.
“The ultimate beneficiary of the projects is the local community and collaboration with the county government will not only ensure the sustainability but also management of the project when it has been handed over to the community,” said the MD in Lodwar town.
Mr Naporos noted the initiatives will ease water scarcity through the construction of water projects hence effectively fighting food insecurity and improving the communities’ nutrition.
“The framework will also involve specific initiatives including the establishment of mango orchards, tree nurseries, and pasture seed production. These initiatives will go hand in hand with joint peace initiatives thus helping address the resource-based conflict that has characterized the area,” said the MD.
On his part, Turkana County Secretary Peter Eripete hailed the partnership noting it will fast-track wealth creation because there will be project sustainability.
“Collaboration of this nature will eventually improve the livelihoods of locals’ residents and as a county, we have a directorate on partnership to ensure distribution of projects across. This way ensures we do not duplicate the projects besides offering technical advice,” he said.
The County Secretary said the programs earmarked for collaboration will encourage diversification thus leading to many revenue sources eventually improving the livelihoods of the community.
“The value chains in livestock, fish, beekeeping, and horticulture will be greatly improved. The potential the county has will steadily be exploited,” he said.