Turkana County has engaged communities in Loima on the proposed rehabilitation of Turkwel Earth Dam, a project expected to improve water availability for irrigation and support the livelihoods of more than 1,400 people.
The consultations, held in Turkwel on October 19, 2026, brought together community members from the Napool, Nanye and Tisa irrigation schemes under the Kenya Devolution Support Programme II (KDSP II).
The engagement focused on community participation, environmental and social screening, and voluntary land donation for the proposed project.
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It also provided an opportunity for residents to raise concerns, understand their role in the project and discuss measures needed to protect the community during implementation.
If implemented, the rehabilitation project is expected to benefit more than 1,400 people who rely on the Napool, Tisa and Nanye irrigation schemes.
The project aims to improve water availability for agricultural activities and strengthen livelihoods among communities dependent on irrigation.
Speaking during the engagement, Programme Coordinator Lodoso Gabriel emphasised the importance of involving residents in project preparation and implementation.
“The project should deliver lasting benefits to the people of Turkana County by improving water availability for irrigation and ensuring the dam is sustainably managed for future generations,” Lodoso said.
KDSP II Environmental Safeguards Focal Person Ekadeli Philemon explained why the proposed project had been classified as high-risk, highlighting the need to identify and manage potential environmental and social impacts.
He also outlined the role of the Project Management Committee (PMC) in strengthening community participation, oversight and grievance management throughout the project process.
The engagement resulted in the formation of a seven-member Project Management Committee to serve as a link between residents and the project team.
The committee is expected to facilitate communication, support community participation and help address grievances that may arise during project preparation and implementation.
Francis Esibitar, chairperson of Tisa Irrigation Scheme and a community representative, called for the proposed earth dam to be fenced to improve safety and protect residents.
He also urged the project team to adopt modern engineering designs to strengthen the dam banks and minimise the risk of flooding.
The concerns highlight the importance of incorporating community safety and appropriate engineering measures into the project's planning and design.
As part of the project preparation process, voluntary land donation forms were issued to community members for signing to indicate that land for the proposed dam construction had been voluntarily donated.
The process forms part of the environmental and social safeguards being considered before further implementation steps.
The information provided does not confirm that construction has started or that all necessary approvals have been secured.
The consultations form part of KDSP II's efforts to promote inclusive community participation and ensure environmental and social safeguards are considered during project preparation.
Those present included KDSP II Social Safeguards Focal Person Teresa Teru, Environment representative Kelvin Ojiem, Gender Focal Person Dinah Nakua, Turkwel Village Administrator Eleman David, Turkwel Chief Titus Nakuwa and Assistant Chief Michael Loukubwa.
Further consideration of the proposed rehabilitation will depend on the project's preparation process, technical assessments and the measures required to address environmental and social risks.
