LODWAR — The Turkana County Steering Group (CSG) has launched a comprehensive audit of all development partner projects across the region. The initiative aims to strengthen coordination, enforce accountability, and maximize impact as persistent drought conditions continue to threaten local communities.
The exercise was officially announced during a joint meeting of state and non-state actors in Lodwar, led by interim CSG co-chairs Mike Aupe, Deputy Director for Partnerships, and Joseph Kipkorir, Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner.
According to Aupe, field officers have already been deployed to selected sites across the county to perform unannounced spot checks on active development projects.
“We are obliged by law to report on interventions by partners and the government. These checks will help us know where to co-create, co-implement, and support stakeholders,” Aupe said.
Highlighting effective field operations, Aupe cited a recent visit to Komio in Urum, where Save the Children is delivering vital health outreach services to hard-to-reach populations, as an example of best practice in the region.
To further streamline operations, the county has surveyed partners to establish performance benchmarks. Additionally, a joint evaluation committee will be formed to assess ongoing programs and guarantee that essential services reach remote, last-mile communities.
Alongside the audit announcement, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) presented its 2026 Long Rains and Food and Nutrition Assessment reports to stakeholders for validation.
NDMA County Coordinator Lordman Lekalkuli explained that the assessment integrated data across key sectors, including health, education, water access, agriculture, livestock, and household purchasing power.
Once fully validated, the report will be submitted to the Kenya Food Security Steering Group to establish Turkana’s current vulnerability level. Lekalkuli cautioned that food security and livestock conditions could worsen significantly if the June–August off-season rains fall short of expectations.
Speaking at the forum, Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir urged development partners to use the NDMA assessment data to guide future interventions. He also advocated for targeted initiatives focused on supporting the boy child to address rising concerns over youth neglect in the county.
The meeting concluded with commitments to bolster support for the Kimormor integrated health program, continue coordinated field spot checks, and adopt standardized reporting templates across all operating partners.
