Reformed Warriors in Turkana Receive Ksh 2.5M for Business Start-Ups

By Turkana Correspondent 

One hundred reformed warriors from cross-border villages in Kalobeyei and Letea Wards of Turkana West, as well as Lokiriama-Lorengkippi Ward in Turkana County, have received Ksh 2.5 million to support their business start-ups. 

The funds are part of a peacebuilding initiative aimed at providing alternative livelihoods and promoting stability in the region.

This initiative, jointly implemented by the Turkana County Government, Lotus Kenya (Lokado), and Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH), is part of the second phase of the Strengthening Innovative Approaches to Promote the Resilience of Agro-Pastoralists in East Africa (SPRALEA II) program.

The symbolic disbursement, through dummy cheques, took place during a ceremony in Lokiriama attended by Turkana County Secretary Peter Eripete and Assistant County Commissioner David Olouch. Each beneficiary received Ksh 25,000 directly into their mobile money accounts to invest in their business ventures.

Speaking at the event, County Secretary Eripete emphasized the significance of this initiative as a practical alternative to cattle rustling, a practice that has historically fueled conflict in the region.

“This program offers a sustainable solution to one of our most persistent challenges—cattle rustling. It’s encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the reformed warriors, and we urge for its expansion to include more beneficiaries,” said Eripete.

He reiterated the county’s commitment to peacebuilding efforts and collaboration with partners, highlighting that training and financial support are essential components in fostering both local and cross-border peace.

Augustine Kai Lope, Program Lead for Lotus Kenya, explained that the reformed warriors were selected from various villages, including Loya, Lorengkippi, Lokiriama, Urum, Lokipoto, Loreng, Nakitongo, Namokirionok, Nalapatui, Natira, Oropoi, and Nawountous. 

He noted that the warriors had undergone specialized training in business start-ups and peace promotion, facilitated by the county’s Directorate of Peacebuilding and Conflict Management.

“These warriors have willingly surrendered their weapons and embraced business as an alternative livelihood. It’s a major step forward, and we are proud to support their transition,” said Kai.

Philip Ewoton, Project Manager for Welt Hunger Hilfe, emphasized the importance of building resilience among agro-pastoralists. He noted that the program, funded by BMZ through Lotus Kenya, has been running for three years and will continue until April 2025.

“This initiative is tailored to provide viable economic alternatives for agro-pastoralists and pastoralists. The beneficiaries have been guided on starting ventures such as livestock trading, farm produce, and bead value chains, all of which have strong local demand,” Ewoton stated. He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds as intended to ensure long-term success.

Nanyee Lopii, a representative of the reformed warriors from Nalapatui, spoke passionately about the devastating impact of cattle raids on the Ateker communities, including loss of lives and resources. He highlighted the need for peace and education as vital steps toward breaking the cycle of violence.

“We have suffered greatly due to raids, and many of us bear physical scars from that dark past. This program is a lifeline for us and our communities, but there are many others still in need. We urge the government and its partners to expand this initiative,” Lopii said.

The initiative comes amid ongoing efforts to address years of violence and banditry along the Kenya-Uganda and Kenya-South Sudan borders, which have claimed numerous lives and destabilized communities. 

Additionally, the Kenya International Boundaries Office (KIBO) and Ugandan counterparts are working to finalize border demarcations along the Kenya-Uganda border, with beacons installed from Lomokori to Solia.

A recent cross-border peace initiative, jointly led by national and local governments of Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan, underscored the need for practical alternatives to violence. 

Leaders agreed to scale up behavior change training and promote trade as a sustainable source of livelihood in border communities.

The program’s organizers hope it will foster long-term peace and economic stability in Turkana and surrounding regions.