International Rescue Committee Transfers 18 Water Projects to Turkana County
Lodwar, 3 March 2026
The handover in Kenya’s second-largest county addresses critical water shortages affecting both refugee camps and local communities. With Turkana spanning 77,000 square kilometres, these infrastructure projects represent a significant investment in regional water security, now managed by local authorities through Turkana Rural Water and Sanitation Company.
Official Handover Ceremony in Kaegete
The formal transfer ceremony took place on 2nd March 2026 in Kaegete, Turkana South, marking a pivotal moment for water infrastructure development in the region [1]. Wily Justus Lopeyok, County Executive for Water Services, led the county government delegation and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with development actors in the water sector [1]. The ceremony represented the culmination of collaborative efforts between international development organisations and local authorities to address persistent water access challenges.
Management Structure and Local Ownership
The 18 water infrastructure projects will now be managed through Turkana Rural Water and Sanitation Company (TURWASCO), ensuring local oversight and sustainability [1]. Eng. Vincent Lokeya, who headed the IRC team during the handover ceremony, emphasised the critical importance of local ownership and urged water scheme committees to take full responsibility for the facilities’ proper management and maintenance [1]. This transfer model prioritises community participation and local management structures, which Lokeya noted will be decisive factors in determining the long-term success of the water facilities [1].
Strategic Importance for Kenya’s Largest County
Turkana County’s designation as Kenya’s second-largest county, spanning 77,000 square kilometres, underscores the substantial geographical scope these water projects must serve [1]. The county’s position as the north-western most region in Kenya, combined with its role in hosting refugee populations, creates unique infrastructure demands that these projects are designed to address [1]. The strategic location of these water facilities will serve both local communities and the significant refugee populations in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps, representing a dual-purpose approach to humanitarian and development infrastructure.
Sustainability and Future Collaboration Framework
The handover ceremony emphasised transparency, accountability, and community participation as fundamental pillars for safeguarding the water projects’ long-term viability [1]. County Executive Lopeyok confirmed that the Water Services Department will maintain close collaboration with all stakeholders to enhance access to clean and safe drinking water, particularly focusing on remote and underserved areas [1]. IRC’s Vincent Lokeya reaffirmed the organisation’s ongoing dedication to supporting improved water access in Turkana and encouraged continued collaboration between communities, the county government, and development partners to strengthen service delivery [1]. This collaborative framework ensures that the infrastructure investment will continue to benefit from technical expertise and development support beyond the initial handover period.