Rooted leadership · Lasting impact

Institutional
Continuity &
Governance.

Strong institutions. Accountable leadership. Community ownership across generations.

Community ownership Accountability Transparency Institutional continuity Local leadership
Community-led governance and institutional continuity in Turkana
03° 07′ N / 35° 36′ E
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VISION

Empowered and resilient communities able to influence and engage in county development matters.

MISSION

To empower Turkana communities through education, advocacy, and climate-smart initiatives that promote peace, equity, and sustainable livelihoods.

OUR PRINCIPLES

Core Values

01

Integrity

Upholding transparency and accountability in all operations.

02

Inclusivity

Ensuring no one is left behind — especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

03

Strategic Collaboration & Partnership

Working collaboratively with government, civil society, and development partners.

04

Innovation

Promoting creative, community-driven, and context-specific solutions.

05

Sustainability

Advancing environmentally responsible and locally owned sustainable development.

06

Rule of Law & Human Rights

Respect and promotion of the rule of law, human rights, and justice.

OUR LOGIC

Theory of Change

TDT's Theory of Change builds on the understanding that poor governance is the root cause of problems that prevent the improvement of the well-being of people in Turkana County. Poor governance and leadership contribute to insecurity and underdevelopment, standing in the way of improved education standards and development infrastructure.

Our guiding assumption is that improved governance and leadership will eliminate the conditions that disempower people, undermine prosperity, and lead to indignity of the community. Promoting good governance and a leadership that cares about collective priorities will build capacity to address insecurity, poor service delivery, poverty, and illiteracy — leading to conditions for an empowered, prosperous, and dignified community.

Our Roots

FOUNDED 2021

The Turkana Development Trust was founded to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Turkana County. We do not impose solutions; we institutionalize local resilience — working at the grassroots level so that local priorities drive our action in education, advocacy, climate resilience, and peacebuilding.

Editorial collage of community-led development in Turkana
Digging for drinking water in a dry riverbed, Turkana
GOVERNANCE

Governance & Management

The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees providing strategic oversight and policy direction. Day-to-day management is undertaken by a Secretariat, ensuring accountability to both communities and partners.

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Board of Trustees

Provides strategic oversight and policy direction, ensuring the Trust remains accountable to its founding mandate.

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Secretariat

Led by the Programme Coordinator / CEO, and supported by program officers, field coordinators, and volunteers who deliver day-to-day operations.

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Accountability

TDT adheres to transparent financial management, annual audits, and participatory planning at every stage.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Turkana Development Trust (TDT)? add

Turkana Development Trust (TDT) is a registered charitable trust, established in 2021 under the laws of Kenya, working to promote inclusive and sustainable development across Turkana County through education, advocacy, peacebuilding, and climate-smart initiatives.

Where does Turkana Development Trust operate? add

TDT operates across Turkana County, Kenya, reaching all 7 sub-counties — Turkana Central, Turkana West, Turkana East, Turkana North, Turkana South, Loima, and Kibish — and 30 wards.

What programs does TDT run? add

TDT's work is organized around four core pillars: Education & Skills Development, Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion, Advocacy & Governance, and Climate Action & Resilience.

What has TDT achieved so far? add

TDT has supported 250+ learners with access to education, trained 200+ peace ambassadors, reached 1,000+ community members through civic education forums, planted 2,000+ drought-resistant trees, and capacity-built 125 civil society organization (CSO) members for county governance participation.

Who does Turkana Development Trust partner with? add

TDT partners with the County Government of Turkana, international institutions, philanthropic donors, and local community leaders to design and implement community-owned development solutions.

How can I contact or partner with Turkana Development Trust? add

You can reach TDT at pc@turkanadt.org or +254 722 635 850, or write to P.O. Box 553-30500, Lodwar, Kenya. Partnership inquiries can also be submitted through the contact form at turkanadt.org/contact.html.