Nairobi: The Turkana county administration has convened a high-level stakeholder meeting to explore areas of collaboration in land governance, spatial planning, and urban transformation. Consequently, the deputy county governor Dr. John Erus has underscored the importance of partnerships in unlocking opportunities for sustainable land management and inclusive urban development.

According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Erus emphasized the need for effective partnerships to address challenges such as rapid urbanization, informal settlements, and sustainable infrastructure planning in Turkana. He elaborated on the critical role these collaborations play in fostering successful urban development.

The Chief Officer for Lands and Physical Planning, Leah Losiru, highlighted key policy directions and ongoing initiatives. She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to harnessing external support to strengthen governance systems. Her remarks were aimed at ensuring that the county’s land governance aligns with broader developmental goals.

Peter Lomurkai, Chief Officer for Urban Areas and Municipality, outlined priority gaps and needs in service delivery, infrastructure development, and spatial planning. He stressed the importance of coordinated support from both state and non-state actors to address these gaps effectively.

The Deputy Director Resource Mobilization, Partnership, and Donor Relations, Michael Aupe, facilitated discussions on strategies for leveraging partnerships to enhance infrastructure, improve service delivery, and strengthen land governance systems. The participants focused on aligning donor cycles and partner priorities with the county’s urban development agenda.

Municipality Managers for Lodwar and Kamum, Eng. Benjamin Tukei and Peter Emuria, respectively, presented priority gaps in infrastructure development and service delivery within their jurisdictions. They called for enhanced collaboration to address these challenges efficiently.

Representatives from partner organizations, including UNHCR, FAO, UN-Habitat, and UNICEF, alongside other NGOs, private sector, and community-based organizations, collectively shared their thematic areas and potential opportunities for collaboration. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to driving urban transformation in Turkana.