TURKANA, Kenya – Several programs in Turkana County promote development and peacebuilding activities.
One of these projects, which focuses on sustainable energy for four years, running from 2024 to 2027, aims to improve peace and resilience, especially for women.
Peace actors also receive conflict sensitivity training to update their abilities. In another project, clean energy is used to improve development and peacebuilding in cross-border sub-counties.
To alleviate conflict and advance development, these initiatives provide a multifaceted strategy that makes use of tools like clean energy and training.
Last week, Turkana County Chief Officer (CO) for Energy, Petroleum, and Mineral Resources, Triza Amoni, held a meeting with representatives from DanChurchAid (DCA) Kenya and Turkana Pastoralists Development Organisation (TUPADO) aimed at addressing complex interrelated issues.
Turkana County Government and SNV Kenya agreed to enhance clean cooking energy access, reducing wood fuel use and improving air quality. Chief Officer Triza Amoni highlighted benefits for land restoration, while SNV’s Dennis Kibira emphasized market outreach and awareness efforts
The “Spread Strengthening Peace, Resilience, and Disaster Reduction” project is being implemented in the cross-border sub-counties of Kibish, Turkana North, and Lokichoggio.
The project, running from 2024 to 2027, seeks to leverage clean energy to enhance peace, resilience, and livelihoods, with a special focus on empowering women.
How Turkana County is expanding access to clean energy
Speaking during the meeting, CO Amoni highlighted the county’s commitment to expanding access to clean energy in marginalised regions.
“There is a need to sensitise communities on the importance of clean energy. It can improve livelihoods and create new opportunities for economic development,” stated CO Amoni.
She further emphasised the value of supporting women’s groups through exposure visits and benchmarking, allowing them to learn from successful energy initiatives in other sub-counties. This, she noted, would equip them with the knowledge needed to start income-generating ventures.
Deputy Director for Energy, Petroleum, and Mineral Resources Geoffrey Eregae explained the need to provide improved cookstoves in off-grid areas and advocated for the installation of streetlights in border regions to enhance security and support peacebuilding.
Held deliberations with the First Lady @MamaRachelRuto on strategies to upscale clean cooking uptake. Kenya leads in the drive for transition to clean energy and universal access to affordable and sustainable energy solutions under the guidance of President @WilliamsRuto
DCA Kenya’s team lead, Irene Kibon, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with the County Government. She noted that proper street lighting would not only improve security but also foster peace and promote cross-border trade.
In her closing remarks, CO Amoni called for strengthened partnerships and the exploration of alternative energy solutions tailored for underserved communities. She stressed that such efforts are vital for enhancing the livelihoods of nomadic populations and sustaining peace in the region.
In February 2025, the devolved unit and SNV Kenya (Netherlands Development Organisation) pledged to strengthen their collaboration to expand access to clean cooking energy across the county.
Why the use of clean energy appliances should be encouraged
The partnership aims to improve household air quality and reduce reliance on unsustainable wood fuel.
Recent surveys on access to clean cooking energy place Turkana in the same category as other ASAL counties, where firewood and charcoal are utilised by more than 85% of the population.
Speaking during a meeting with SNV Kenya officials, CO Amoni stated that the initiative would contribute to restoring land and vegetation cover degraded due to firewood and charcoal production.
A clean energy project in Kibish, T.North, & Lokichoggio aims to boost peace & livelihoods via solar power, empowering women. CO Amoni urges community sensitization & women’s training. DCA Kenya’s Kibon says streetlights will enhance security & trade. Runs 2024-27 with TUPADO
Amoni reaffirmed the county’s commitment to supporting SNV’s market-led approach that makes clean energy appliances available for public purchase.
SNV’s team lead, Dennis Kibira, noted that their organisation had deployed a team of sales representatives across the county to boost adoption.
He added that SNV was keen on participating in county events to showcase its products and raise public awareness about clean energy solutions.
In attendance were Jackson Lojore (director for energy and petroleum production) and SNV officials.
