ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN)

BUILDING RESILIENCE AND LOCAL LEADERSHIP IN KENYA’S ARID NORTHWEST

Turkana County

Transforming lives through locally led action and cross-border collaboration

OVERVIEW

Turkana County is Kenya’s northwestern frontier — a vast, semi-arid landscape bordered by Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. It is home to strong pastoralist traditions, thriving cross-border trade, and communities that have shown exceptional resilience amid recurrent droughts, floods, and food insecurity.

Through the ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN), member organizations in Turkana County are advancing inclusive, community-led approaches that combine humanitarian assistance with development and peacebuilding. These efforts address chronic vulnerabilities while promoting sustainable livelihoods, social cohesion, and adaptation to climate change.

Organization

  • Lotus Kenya Action for Development Organization (LOKADO)
  • Sustainable Approaches for Community Empowerment (SAPCONE)
  • Turkana Pastoralists Development Organisation (TUPADO)

Areas of Focus

  • Humanitarian response and resilience-building for drought-affected households.
  • Cross-border peacebuilding and regional collaboration with Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
  • Livelihood diversification through livestock value chains and climate-smart agriculture.
  • Education, protection, and empowerment for youth and women in pastoralist communities.
  • Strengthening local governance and participation in disaster risk management.

IMPACT AND CHANGE

AHN members in Turkana are helping communities transition from crisis response to sustainable development. Their locally driven initiatives have strengthened community institutions, improved access to basic services, and enhanced collaboration with neighbouring countries for peace and trade.

These initiatives have:

  • Reached over 40,000 households with drought relief, livelihood recovery, and water access projects.
  • Strengthened cross-border peace structures reducing conflicts over grazing and water resources.
  • Supported women and youth-led enterprises contributing to local economic growth.
  • Improved county-level coordination through participation in planning and policy forums.