The Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) joined the County Assembly of Turkana in a landmark event to launch the amended Standing Orders and the County Assembly’s Strategic Plan, marking a major advancement in effective and inclusive governance while promoting refugee participation in county legislative processes.
RCK played a central role in the development and refinement of the Strategic Plan and the Assembly’s Standing Orders, which now formally integrate refugee affairs into the legislative framework of Turkana County. This historic shift in amending the standing orders expands the mandate of the Assembly’s Committee on Justice, Human Rights and Legal Affairs to include refugee affairs; it will now be known as the Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Legal and Refugee Affairs. This change reflects the Assembly’s strong commitment to inclusivity, accountability, and progressive governance.
RCK’s Contribution to the Milestone
RCK has worked closely with the Assembly under the existing Letter of Agreement (LoA), and partners including VNG International, Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS), and Inkomoko, providing technical, legal, and policy support throughout the amendment process. RCK’s partnership with the Assembly has focused on strengthening institutional governance, enhancing public participation, and ensuring that legislative processes respond to the realities of both refugee and host communities in Turkana County.
In his address to the Members, the Executive Director of RCK, Mr. Barlet Colly Jaji reaffirmed RCK’s long-standing commitment to supporting the Assembly’s efforts to champion inclusive governance. He emphasized the importance of policies that recognize the dignity and contributions of displaced populations and applauded the Assembly for its leadership in including refugee affairs within the county structures.
The amendments reflect the shared commitment between RCK, the County Assembly, and development partners to build systems that promote accountability, protection, and participation for all communities living in Turkana. This work complements the ongoing Inclusive Refugee Response Programme (IRRP), supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, and implemented by RCK and partners, which supports both the National Government and Turkana County Government in expanding access to basic social services, enhancing self-reliance, and strengthening peaceful coexistence.
The Rt Honourable Speaker Charles Lokioto recognized RCK’s invaluable role in shaping the Assembly’s institutional growth and legislative reforms, noting that the changes respond to emerging governance needs and uphold the principles of public participation and inclusion embedded in the Kenyan Constitution.
Partnerships That Drive Lasting Change
RCK was joined by fellow development partners present at the event, including UNICEF, VNG International, DANIDA, UNHCR, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS), the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Together, these actors continue to support Turkana’s vision of a county where refugees and host communities thrive together.
As the County Assembly begins implementing its Strategic Plan and the amended Standing Orders, RCK remains committed to walking this journey with the Assembly, offering continued support to strengthen inclusive, responsive, and people-centered governance in Turkana County.
