Turkana County Reshuffles Leadership as New Chief Takes Charge of Refugee-Hosting Region
Lodwar, 10 April 2026
Evans Lomodei assumes control of gender and youth affairs in Turkana County, Kenya’s second-largest administrative region that hosts major refugee settlements including Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps. The leadership transition, effective 10 April 2026, sees his predecessor Joseph Epuu moving to the Deputy Governor’s office as part of broader administrative changes. This reshuffle could significantly impact services for thousands of refugees, particularly given the substantial youth population in the camps requiring specialised programming and support.
Formal Handover Marks Administrative Transition
The leadership transition was formalised through handover ceremonies conducted at both the County Headquarters and in Lodwar on 10 April 2026 [1][2]. Deputy Secretary for Government Affairs Dr. Albert Gamoe presided over the ceremony in Lodwar, which was witnessed by the County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Gender and Tourism [2]. The administrative changes stem from Executive Order No. 02/2026, dated 26 March 2026, which reassigned both Chief Officers to their new positions [1]. Joseph Epuu Elim, who previously served as Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs, has moved to the Office of the Deputy Governor, where he pledged to ‘strengthen teamwork and motivate staff to enhance service delivery’ during his inaugural address [1].
Strategic Priorities for Youth Empowerment in Refugee-Hosting County
Lomodei’s appointment carries particular significance given Turkana County’s role as host to major refugee settlements. During the handover ceremony, he committed to ‘advancing the department’s agenda by enhancing youth empowerment programs and promoting inclusive gender policies’ [2]. The new Chief Officer emphasised that his focus would be on ‘strengthening existing programs while introducing innovative approaches that address the needs of our youth and ensure gender inclusivity across all sectors’ [2]. This strategic direction could prove crucial for refugee communities, where youth programming represents a vital component of camp services and integration efforts. Epuu, in handing over responsibilities, highlighted key achievements including ‘strengthening youth empowerment initiatives and mainstreaming gender in county programs’ during his tenure [2].
Institutional Commitment to Service Delivery
Dr. Gamoe underscored the importance of maintaining continuity in service provision, telling the incoming Chief Officer to ‘build on the foundation laid by his predecessor and ensure that gender and youth programs continue to impact communities positively’ [2]. The Deputy Secretary emphasised that ‘the department plays a critical role in empowering youth and advancing gender equality, and this momentum must be sustained’ [2]. The County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Gender and Tourism reaffirmed the county’s institutional commitment, calling for ‘teamwork and accountability in delivering on its mandate’ [2]. This administrative reshuffle occurs within Turkana County, Kenya’s second-largest administrative region covering 77,000 square kilometres in the country’s north-western region [1][2].
Broader Context of Humanitarian Operations
The leadership transition takes place against the backdrop of significant international humanitarian operations in the region. Major organisations including the International Rescue Committee maintain substantial programming in Turkana County, with operations spanning health, nutrition, protection, livelihood, and education sectors [3]. The IRC’s Kenya program operates with a portfolio exceeding USD 25 million across Turkana, Garissa, West Pokot, and Nairobi counties [3]. These external partnerships underscore the strategic importance of effective local governance structures in coordinating services for both host and refugee communities. Lomodei assured his predecessor of his availability for consultations during the transition period, whilst Epuu expressed confidence that ‘the department remains in capable hands’ and that ‘the gains realised will be safeguarded and expanded further’ [2].