JICA signs a Landmark Grant Agreement with UN Habitat

On January 12th, 2026, JICA signed a historic Grant Agreement with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). This marks the first-ever Japanese Grant Aid project in Kenya implemented through JICA in partnership with a UN agency. Titled “The Project for the Improvement of Water Supply Facilities for Refugees and their Host Communities in Turkana County,” the initiative aims to drive the economic and social development of the Republic of Kenya.

Under this project, UN-Habitat will undertake the construction, procurement, installation, and repair of water facilities and equipment across Turkana County. The goal is to significantly improve water access within the municipalities of Kakuma, including the refugee camp, the Kalobeyei integrated settlement, and surrounding host villages, as well as Lodwar (specifically the Lodwar and Kanamkemer wards).
The project’s success will result from the collective effort and cooperation of key stakeholders, including the Government of Kenya, the Turkana County Government, and JICA, among others.

Complementing this infrastructure work, JICA, through its Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus Advisor at the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), is currently supporting the capacity development of three water service providers in Turkana County; Turkana Urban Water and Sewerage Company (TUWASCO), Turkana Rural Water and Sewerage Company (TURWASCO) and Kakuma, Kalobeyei, Letea, Lopur Water and Sanitation Company (KALWASCO). These training programs encompass both administrative and operational areas to enhance the management capacities and ensure the long-term maintenance of water facilities.
These efforts directly align with JICA’s Global Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting its commitment to “leaving no one behind” and enhancing human well-being. JICA will continue to support the implementation of Shirika Plan which entails social-economic inclusion of refugees and enhancing livelihoods of the host communities in Kenya.