ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN)

ADVANCING PEACE, RESILIENCE, AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

West Pokot County

Fostering harmony and inclusive development in Kenya’s northwestern highlands

OVERVIEW

West Pokot County lies along Kenya’s northwestern highlands, sharing borders with Turkana, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Uganda. Its terrain ranges from arid plains to fertile escarpments, supporting a mix of pastoralist and farming communities. The county faces periodic droughts, floods, and inter-communal conflict, yet remains a strong example of grassroots resilience and peacebuilding in the ASAL region.

Through the ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN), local member organizations are driving efforts that link humanitarian response with long-term development, gender equality, and conflict transformation. Their work strengthens social cohesion, supports inclusive governance, and empowers vulnerable populations to shape sustainable futures for their communities.

Organization

  • Pokot Women Empowerment Organisation (POWEO)
  • SIKOM Peace Network

Areas of Focus

  • Peacebuilding and reconciliation among pastoralist and farming communities.
  • Women’s leadership and protection in peace and development processes.
  • Climate change adaptation and sustainable resource management.
  • Livelihood diversification through agribusiness and vocational training.
  • Governance, advocacy, and inclusion of youth and women in county decision-making.

IMPACT AND CHANGE

AHN members in West Pokot are advancing local solutions that transform vulnerability into opportunity. Their initiatives promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen community capacities, and build a foundation for inclusive growth and resilience.

These initiatives have:

  • Supported inter-community peacebuilding forums to address cross-border and inter-clan conflict.
  • Empowered women’s groups and youth associations to lead dialogue, advocacy, and enterprise initiatives.
  • Enhanced access to sustainable livelihoods through agriculture, trade, and vocational skills programmes.
  • Improved coordination between local CSOs and county government in humanitarian and development planning.