Lake Turkana — the world’s largest desert lake and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is a lifeline for northern Kenya, underpinning fisheries, livelihoods, and ecosystems. During the International Water, Peace and Security Conference session Tides of Peace: Unlocking the Potential of Lake Turkana for Climate Resilience and Stability, experts explored entrepreneurship, technology, food and water security and the role of science in decision-making to assess the region’s opportunities and challenges.

Moderator Daniel Kangogo of the World Food Programme (WFP) described the organization’s collaboration with the county governments of Turkana and Marsabit, UNESCO, International Alert, and private-sector partners. Their shared goal is to ensure that Lake Turkana — a transboundary resource between Kenya and Ethiopia — becomes a foundation for peace and climate-resilient economic growth. The programme focuses on strengthening livelihoods through a systems approach centred on the lake and its fish value chain.

County leadership expressed hope that Lake Turkana can become a model of collective action, uniting government, development partners, the private sector, civil society, youth, and women to create lasting impact.

Representing the Principal Secretary for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, Charles Ondu highlighted major challenges, including water scarcity, climate pressures and unsustainable resource use. He outlined a three-part call to action: to integrate strategies across sectors; amplify local leadership by giving communities real decision-making power; and advance bold partnerships that bring together data-driven solutions, clean energy, climate-smart agriculture and conflict early-warning systems. He urged stakeholders to transform the “tides of peace” into tides of shared opportunity.

Climate security

Presenting his climate-security research, independent consultant Achiba Gargule showed that droughts now strike every five years, each time pushing more people into acute food insecurity. While climate change intensifies vulnerabilities particularly among women — rising lake levels cause flooding and displacement and heighten conflict risks. Weak governance often allows disputes to escalate, underscoring the need for coordinated, inclusive and informed action.

Opening the panel discussion, Mercy Juma of the World Food Programme (WFP) emphasized that local enterprises, especially those led by youth and women, can drive both economic and social returns. Daniela Nairita of Indigenous Women in Blue Economy described the barriers facing women and youth in business and highlighted the farmer service centre model in Marsabit, which provides real-time solutions.

Building on these insights, Claudia Ah Poe of WFP outlined the fisher service centre model, adapted from agriculture to fisheries. These centres support fisherfolk through digital marketing, input supply and knowledge sharing. She noted persistent challenges, such as high temperatures, salinity and inadequate infrastructure, contribute to 30–35% fish loss. To reduce waste, WFP is introducing mobile floating landing sites, ice-making facilities, and fish-processing technologies.