TURKANA WEST-Residents of Namon Sub-location in Lopur Ward, Turkana West Constituency, have appealed to the County Government of Turkana to urgently intervene as worsening drought conditions continue to threaten the livelihoods of pastoralist communities.
The residents say months of prolonged dry weather have dried up water sources and grazing fields, leading to severe livestock losses and exposing families to hunger. They are calling for immediate emergency relief, including food aid, water trucking, livestock support, and long-term drought mitigation measures to prevent the situation from worsening.
“Our animals are dying because there is no water or pasture. Families are going hungry, and without urgent intervention, the situation will only get worse,” one resident said.
As food shortages intensify, many households have resorted to eating wild edible plants to survive. Residents say some of the plants can be toxic if not properly prepared, forcing families to boil them for up to 24 hours before they are safe for consumption.
The worsening situation comes months after the County Assembly of Turkana, in March 2026, raised concerns over the allocation and utilization of KSh100 million set aside for disaster management, questioning whether the funds had translated into effective drought preparedness and emergency response across the county.
The concerns emerged during a sitting of the County Assembly’s Committee on General Oversight as the county reviewed its Disaster Risk Management Policy to strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
Appearing before the committee, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service, Administration and Disaster Management Patrick Losike Lokaimoe said his department works closely with the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the agency mandated to coordinate drought management interventions in affected counties.
“We are working through a multi-sectoral coordination forum under the County Steering Group, which brings together the County Government, Members of the County Assembly, the National Government, the National Drought Management Authority, and our humanitarian and development partners to coordinate drought mitigation and emergency response interventions,” he added.
Despite those measures, the drought has continued to worsen across parts of Turkana. In Loima, nutrition screenings found dozens of children suffering from moderate and severe acute malnutrition, highlighting the growing impact of food insecurity on vulnerable households.
Earlier this year, Elelea Health Facility in Lokori/Katilia Ward was forced to rely on water transported from Lotubae after its water supply failed, disrupting sanitation and the provision of essential health services. Health officials have also reported rising cases of child malnutrition in Nakauron and Lotubae, warning that dependence on transported water increases the risk of contamination and waterborne diseases.
“We are treating patients without adequate water for sanitation and hygiene,” a health worker said, adding that even routine healthcare had become increasingly difficult.
Health expert added that. “Reliance on transported water significantly increases the risk of contamination, exposing communities to waterborne diseases and further straining an already fragile health system,”.
Residents are now urging the County Government of Turkana and humanitarian partners to fast-track emergency food assistance, expand water trucking programmes, rehabilitate strategic water sources, and invest in sustainable water infrastructure to protect lives, safeguard livestock, and build resilience against recurring drought.
