By Muita Njambi
The County Government of Turkana has assumed control of the Nasinyono Integrated Livelihood Project.
This handover follows the completion of a three-year implementation by African Inland Church Health Ministries (AICHM), funded by the German government through Johanniter International Assistance (JIA).
During a closure meeting, AIC Bishop Rev. David Nakain announced the project’s conclusion. He emphasized that the transition to county management aims to ensure sustainability.
“We are closing out a project that has been running for more than 3 years and the project aims at production and prevention moderate acute malnutrition,” he said
Project lead Sammy Ikeny explained the initiative’s goals.
“It aims at enhancing water provision, boost agricultural production, empower girls and women, and build resilience against climate change and malnutrition,” he explained.
The project transformed the area from pastoralism to agro-pastoralism. Key developments included boreholes, a water pan, an irrigation scheme, reverse osmosis water treatment, and market systems for crops like sorghum, millet, and watermelon.
CECM for Water Services Patrick Losike Lokaimoe praised the project’s impact. He highlighted how water supply has been crucial for agriculture, livestock production, nutrition, health, and WASH.
“Almost 95% of the population everybody has a farm to invest in agriculture.This one alone has changed the livelihood of people of this area,” he stated.
Inspections showed significant improvements in local livelihoods and potential for future development.
Director of Agriculture Aaron Nanok shared plans for further capacity building.
“Locals will receive training on market pricing models and farm management. This will ensure the effective use of water infrastructure supporting irrigation,” he stated.
Sub County Administrator Obed Echip assured that the county will form management committees to oversee valuable assets. He urged locals to avoid vandalism, with administrative officers tasked to prevent any reversals of the project’s gains.
The handover marks a new phase for Nasinyono, with the county government poised to sustain and expand the project’s successes.