Thematic Areas
1. Human Rights & Advocacy
Save The Pastoralists Kenya (STP) aims to increase its efforts to promote, protect, and call upon the relevant authorities to ensure enforcing the rights of individuals and communities. These activities are essential for advancing human rights in Turkana County and ensuring that all individuals enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms.
- Monitoring and documenting human rights violations: Collecting evidence of abuses, including testimonies, reports, and media coverage against the pastoralist communities and grazing groups across borders in East Africa.
Advocacy and Lobbying
- Engaging with policymakers: Lobbying government officials at local, and national levels to address human rights concerns especially in Kenya and Uganda that affect the Pastoralists along this corridor.
- Advocating for policy reforms: Promoting legislation and policies that protect the pastoralist & human rights at both the County and national levels.
- Participating in public consultations: Providing input into policy development processes at both the county and national levels.
Public Awareness and Education
- Conducting human rights education programs: Raising awareness about human rights among the pastoralists public, including schools, communities, and civil society organizations.
- Using media platforms: Communicating human rights messages through various media channels, such as local radios and social media.
- Organizing public events: Holding pastoralists community public meetings, and demonstrations to promote human rights.
Legal Support and Representation
- Providing legal assistance: Supporting the victims of human rights to get free legal advice and representation: individuals and communities facing human rights abuses and
- Assist in accessing free litigation of cases: Linking individual pastoralists and communities to access free legal services that will lead to pursuing legal action to seek justice for victims of human rights violations.
Strengthening Governance and Accountability
- Good Governance: Advocating for good governance, transparency, and accountability in government institutions.
- Anti-Corruption: Combating corruption and ensuring that public resources are used effectively and efficiently.
- Rule of Law: Promoting the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all.
Community Engagement
- Working with grassroots organizations: Supporting community-based initiatives that promote human rights.
- Empowering marginalized communities: Providing resources and support to marginalized groups, such as women, children, and people living with disabilities.
- Building coalitions: Forming alliances with other Turkana County organizations and community-based organizations to strengthen advocacy efforts.
Advocating for Access to Essential Services
- Healthcare: Promoting access to quality healthcare, including maternal and child health services, and addressing issues like malnutrition and waterborne diseases.
- Education: Ensuring equitable access to education, especially for girls and marginalized communities, and advocating for improved infrastructure and qualified teachers.
- Water and Sanitation: Promoting access to clean water and sanitation facilities, particularly in rural areas, to prevent waterborne diseases and improve hygiene.
Addressing Land Rights and Resource Management
- Land Tenure: Advocating for secure land rights for pastoral communities, protecting their grazing lands, and addressing land conflicts.
- Resource Management: Promoting sustainable resource management practices, including conservation of natural resources and addressing issues related to mining and extractive industries.
Protecting the Rights of Vulnerable Groups
- Women Rights: Promoting gender equality and women empowerment, addressing issues like gender-based violence, and ensuring women access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
- Children Rights: Protecting children rights, including the right to education, health, and protection from child labor and exploitation.
- Indigenous Rights: Respecting the rights of indigenous communities and protecting theircultural heritage.
2. Peace
Turkana County is faced with the challenges of cattle rustling and insecurity in the border areas with Uganda in the west, South Sudan in the Northwest, and Northeast with the Ethiopian border.
These are some of the important activities to be undertaken to improve peace and security withborder communities to create peace co-existence;
Promoting Peace and Security
- Conflict Resolution: Facilitating peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms to address inter-communal violence and cattle rustling.
- Humanitarian Assistance: Providing humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations affected by conflict, drought, or other disasters.
- Security: Advocating for improved security measures to protect human rights andprevent human rights abuses.
3. Access to Water
Turkana County, being one of Kenya most arid regions, faces significant challenges in ensuring access to clean water and adequate sanitation. Here are some crucial activities that are beingimplemented to address these issues:
Construction of Water Infrastructure
- Boreholes: Drilling deep boreholes to tap into underground water sources.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Implementing systems to collect and store rainwater for domestic and livestock use.
- Solar-Powered Water Pumps: Using solar energy to power water pumps, making them more sustainable and accessible in remote areas.
Improved Sanitation Facilities
- Latrine Construction: Building proper latrines to improve sanitation and prevent water contamination.
- Hygiene Promotion: Educating communities on the importance of hygiene practices, such as handwashing and safe food handling.
Water Quality Monitoring
- Regular Testing: Conduct regular tests to monitor water quality and identify potential contaminants.
- Treatment: Implementing appropriate water treatment methods to ensure safe consumption.
Sustainable Agriculture Practices
- Water-Efficient Farming: Promoting farming methods that conserve water, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
- Reforestation: Planting trees to improve soil moisture retention and reduce water loss.
Policy and Advocacy
- Advocacy for Funding: Advocating for increased government funding and international aid to support water and sanitation projects.
- Policy Development: Developing and implementing policies that prioritize access to water and sanitation in Turkana County.
Partnerships and Collaboration
- Government and NGOs: Collaborating with government agencies and non-governmental organizations to leverage resources and expertise.
- Private Sector Involvement: Engaging the private sector in water and sanitation projects through public-private partnerships.
Community-Based Water Management
- Water User Associations (WUAs): Empowering local communities to manage and maintain water resources.
- Capacity Building: Training community members on water management, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
4. Access to Healthcare
Turkana County, a remote and arid region in northern Kenya, faces unique challenges in delivering healthcare to its rural population. Here are some key activities essential for improving healthcare access and outcomes in this area:
Infrastructure Development
- Health Facility Construction: Building or upgrading primary health care centers (PHCs) and dispensaries to provide basic medical services.
- Road Improvement: Enhancing road infrastructure to facilitate access to healthcare facilities, especially during emergencies.
- Water and Sanitation: Ensuring access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities to prevent waterborne diseases.
Human Resource Development
- Healthcare Worker Training: Providing comprehensive training to healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and community health workers, to equip them with the skills needed to address common health issues in rural areas.
- Incentive Programs: Implementing financial incentives and support programs to attract and retain healthcare professionals in rural areas.
Essential Drug Supply
- Reliable Supply Chains: Establishing reliable supply chains to ensure a consistent and adequate supply of essential medicines and medical supplies.
- Drug Management Systems: Implementing effective drug management systems to prevent wastage and ensure proper utilization of drugs.
Community Health Initiatives
- Community Health Worker Programs: Empowering community health workers to provide basic healthcare services, educate communities about health issues, and mobilize community participation.
- Health Education Campaigns: Conducting health education campaigns to raise awareness about common diseases, preventive measures, and the importance of seeking early medical attention.
Mobile Health Services
- Mobile Clinics: Deploying mobile clinics to reach remote and underserved areas, providing essential healthcare services to those who cannot easily access stationary facilities.
- Telemedicine: Utilizing telemedicine technology to connect rural healthcare facilities with specialists in urban areas, improving access to specialized care.
Disease Prevention and Control
- Vaccination Programs: Implementing comprehensive vaccination programs to prevent infectious diseases such as malaria, measles, and polio.
- Malaria Control Measures: Promoting the use of mosquito nets, insecticides, and other malaria control measures.
Reproductive Health Services
- Family Planning Programs: Providing access to family planning services to help women and couples make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
- Maternal and Child Health Services: Ensuring access to quality maternal and child health services, including antenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal care.
5. Improve Food Security
Turkana County, being a predominantly arid and semi-arid region, faces significant challenges in ensuring food security. Here are some key activities that STP will employ to contribute to improving food security and promoting sustainable livelihoods for its rural communities:
Infrastructure Development
- Improved Roads: Invest in road infrastructure to facilitate access to markets and agricultural inputs.
- Storage Facilities: Construct storage facilities to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure food availability during lean periods.
Policy and Institutional Support
- Government Policies: Develop and implement policies that support sustainable agriculture and food security in Turkana County.
- Institutional Strengthening: Strengthen agricultural extension services and research institutions to provide technical assistance to farmers.
Community Empowerment
- Women’s Empowerment: Empower women in agriculture to enhance their participation and decision-making in food production.
- Youth Engagement: Engage youth in agricultural activities to create sustainable livelihoods and reduce rural-urban migration.
Sustainable Livestock Management
- Diversification: Encourage diversification of livestock species to reduce vulnerability to disease and climate-related shocks.
- Improved Grazing Practices: Implement rotational grazing systems and establish grazing reserves to prevent overgrazing and land degradation.
- Disease Control: Provide access to veterinary services and promote disease prevention measures to reduce livestock losses.
Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Drought-Resistant Crops: Promote the cultivation of drought-resistant crops, such as sorghum, millet, and cowpeas.
- Water Harvesting: Construct rainwater harvesting structures to capture and store water for irrigation.
- Conservation Agriculture: Employ conservation farming practices to improve soil health and reduce water loss.
Community-Based Initiatives
- Community Gardens: Establish community gardens to supplement food production and provide nutritious food.
- Food Preservation: Teach communities traditional and modern food preservation methods to reduce post-harvest losses.
- Nutrition Education: Promote nutrition education to raise awareness about healthy diets and the importance of food diversity.
Reproductive Health Services
- Family Planning Programs: Providing access to family planning services to help women and couples make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
- Maternal and Child Health Services: Ensuring access to quality maternal and child health services, including antenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal care.
6. Contribute to Enviromental Conservation
Turkana County, a semi-arid region in Kenya, faces unique environmental challenges due to its arid climate and fragile ecosystems. The following activities can significantly contribute to environmental conservation through sustainable management of their natural resources and improve their resilience to climate change.
Reforestation and Afforestation
- Tree Planting Campaigns: Community-driven initiatives to plant trees in degraded areas can help restore vegetation cover, prevent soil erosion, and provide shade and fuelwood.
- Community Tree Nurseries: Establish local nurseries to propagate indigenous tree species that are drought-tolerant and can thrive in arid conditions.
- Agroforestry: Integrate trees into agricultural systems to provide shade, improve soil fertility, and diversify livelihoods.
Sustainable Land Management
- Rotational Grazing: Implement rotational grazing practices to prevent overgrazing and allow vegetation to recover.
- Soil Conservation: Use techniques such as contour farming, terracing, and cover crops to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility.
- Desertification Control: Promote sustainable land use practices to combat desertification, such as planting windbreaks and using drought-tolerant crops.
Water Conservation and Management
- Rainwater Harvesting: Construct rainwater harvesting systems to capture and store rainwater for domestic and agricultural use.
- Water Efficient Practices: Promote water-saving practices in agriculture, livestock rearing, and domestic use.
- Water Resource Management: Develop community-based water management plans to ensure equitable access to water resources.
Renewable Energy
- Solar Power: Encourage the adoption of solar energy for lighting, cooking, and powering small-scale businesses.
- Wind Power: Explore the potential for wind energy generation in areas with sufficient wind resources.
- Bioenergy: Utilize biomass from agricultural residues and tree prunings to produce fuel for cooking and heating.
Environmental Education and Awareness
- Community Outreach Programs: Conduct educational campaigns to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
- Schools and Youth Programs: Integrate environmental education into school curricula and organize youth environmental clubs.
- Traditional Knowledge: Recognize and promote traditional ecological knowledge and practices that have contributed to sustainable resource management.
Community-Based Conservation Initiatives
- Community Forests: Establish community-managed forests to protect biodiversity and provide ecosystem services.
- Wildlife Conservation: Support local initiatives to conserve wildlife, such as anti-poaching efforts and habitat restoration.
- Ecotourism: Promote sustainable ecotourism to generate income and raise awareness about environmental conservation.