New Turkana Forum Unites Leaders to Support Elderly and Disabled Residents
Lodwar, 23 September 2026
Turkana County has launched a joint coordination forum to harmonise social protection, eliminating fragmented aid to ensure sustainable funding and support for older persons and residents with disabilities.
A Unified Approach to Social Protection
In September 2026, stakeholders in Turkana County established the Turkana Age and Disability Coordination Forum [1]. This new platform brings together county government departments and development partners to harmonise social protection services for elderly residents and persons living with disabilities [1]. Previously, aid programs operated in a fragmented manner, which often led to a duplication of services and left some vulnerable communities without adequate coverage [1]. By pooling resources and mapping ongoing initiatives, the forum aims to deliver cohesive, sustainable support across the region, including areas like Kakuma and Kalobeyei [1].
How to Access Services and Eligibility Criteria
To access these streamlined services, residents must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the participating partner agencies [1]. Support is specifically tailored for older citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) residing within Turkana County [1]. Eligible individuals can receive essential aid, assistive devices, and tailored healthcare services [1]. To apply or register for assistance, residents should visit their local offices of the Turkana County Directorate of Social Protection or the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), both of which serve as key administrative bodies within the new forum [1]. Local administrative chiefs and community representatives can also help guide applicants through the registration process [GPT].
Securing Long-Term Funding and Legal Backing
The forum is designed to move beyond short-term relief efforts and establish permanent, structured welfare programs [1]. Committee Chairperson Alphonse Lotede emphasised that the county must look past basic food distribution to protect the fundamental rights of vulnerable groups [1]. To ensure these programs remain fully operational, the County Assembly Committee on Labour, Gender, and Social Protection is working alongside the Office of the County Attorney to draft and guide new policy proposals and legislative bills [1]. This legal framework aims to guarantee statutory county funding, ensuring that social protection services do not rely solely on temporary donor funding [1].
Key Partners and Future Coordination
Facilitated by the Turkana Pastoralist Development Organization (TUPADO), the forum brings together several vital regulatory and governance bodies [1]. These include the Directorate of Social Protection, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, and the County Assembly [1]. By integrating data and planning jointly, these organisations can ensure that the specific needs of older persons and disabled residents are systematically included in county budgets and long-term strategic plans [1].