Turkana Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has reaffirmed the county’s commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) and protecting children, calling on development partners to bolster their support for ongoing initiatives.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Kakuma during a five-day development tour of Turkana West and Lokichoggio, Dr. Erus emphasized that child protection and GBV prevention are top priorities for the county government. The forum, which brought together development partners and government representatives, focused on strengthening child protection systems and gender-sensitive programming.
“We are under firm instruction from Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai to prioritise child protection and the fight against GBV,” said Dr. Erus. “Already, we have established child-friendly health services and GBV help desks at health facilities across the county.”
Dr. Erus shared harrowing accounts of child neglect and GBV survivors, highlighting the deep psychological scars left behind. He noted that refugee settlements like Kakuma face additional challenges, with diminishing donor funding exacerbating vulnerabilities among children and women. He urged stakeholders to collaborate and tackle the root causes of abuse through community-based solutions.
The Deputy Governor also spotlighted the recently launched Kalobeyei Modern Automotive Garage, a county-partnered project that provides employment to women and youth. “By creating economic opportunities, we are addressing the financial insecurities that often fuel GBV,” he added.
Other key leaders present included CECMs Wangiros James (Trade, Gender, Youth Affairs and Tourism) and Leah Audan Lokaala (Education and Social Protection), as well as Deputy Director of Gender Mollen Onderi and Turkana West Sub-County Administrator Christine Nalemsekon.
The forum attracted representatives from a wide array of partners, including the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) – Turkana Chapter, UNHCR, FilmAid Kenya, International Rescue Committee (IRC), the State Department of Children’s Services, and Finn Church Aid.
Dr. Erus closed by emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration, stating, “Only through joint action can we create a Turkana that is safe for all children and free from gender-based violence.”
