Turkana Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to eliminating gender-based violence (GBV) and advancing child protection, urging development partners to scale up support for these efforts.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ forum in Kakuma, part of a five-day development tour of Turkana West and Lokichoggio led by Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Dr. Erus stressed that child protection and the fight against GBV remain top priorities for the county administration.
“We are under firm instruction from Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai to prioritise child protection and the fight against GBV,” said Dr. Erus. “The County has already taken concrete steps, including establishing child-friendly services and GBV help desks at health facilities across Turkana.”
The forum brought together development partners and government representatives to explore strategies for enhancing gender-sensitive programming and community-based protection efforts. Dr. Erus shared harrowing cases of GBV and child neglect, pointing to the long-term trauma suffered by survivors and the growing challenges posed by reduced donor funding, especially in refugee-hosting areas like Kakuma.
Highlighting the importance of proactive, socio-economic interventions, Dr. Erus cited the recently launched Kalobeyei Modern Automotive Garage, a county-partnered initiative aimed at empowering women and youth through employment. as a practical GBV prevention model.
“By creating employment opportunities for women and youth, we are tackling the economic vulnerabilities that often fuel GBV,” he noted.
The event was also addressed by County Executive Committee Members Wangiros James (Trade, Gender, Youth Affairs and Tourism) and Leah Audan Lokaala (Education and Social Protection), alongside Deputy Director for Gender Mollen Onderi and Turkana West Sub-County Administrator Christine Nalemsekon.
Key stakeholders in attendance included representatives from the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) – Turkana Chapter, UNHCR, FilmAid Kenya, IRC, the State Department of Children’s Services, and Finn Church Aid.
The forum concluded with a unified call for stronger coordination, increased funding, and deeper community engagement to achieve GBV-free and child-safe communities in Turkana.
Written By Rodney Mbua
