Turkana County is set to host a world-class international disaster response hub following a new partnership between the County Government and the Kenya Red Cross Society. The hub, to be constructed on a ten-acre site donated by the County, will serve not only Turkana but also neighboring Uganda and South Sudan.
During a high-level meeting held in Lodwar, both parties confirmed that groundbreaking for the facility is scheduled for later this year.
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus hailed the initiative as a major step toward improving emergency preparedness and response in the region, which has long struggled with recurrent droughts, floods, and conflicts. “The new hub will not only improve emergency response but also strengthen data and information systems critical for disaster preparedness and decision-making,” he said.
Dr. Erus emphasized Turkana’s strategic importance, citing its vulnerability to climate-induced crises and its proximity to international borders. “Climate change has worsened the disaster situation in Turkana, making this investment timely and essential,” he added.
Kenya Red Cross Deputy Secretary General for Programmes, Joe Mbalu, said the Turkana hub would become the eleventh such center in Kenya, joining ten others already operational across the country. However, he noted that this hub will be unique in its design and function.
“Once completed, it will be a regional resource center capable of reaching the most remote parts of Turkana while also enabling faster disaster response in Uganda and South Sudan,” said Mbalu.
The new facility is expected to enhance humanitarian coordination, support logistics for relief distribution, and offer training and research opportunities in disaster risk management for local and international responders.
Written By Rodney Mbua
