News and Events

Lodwar, November 9, 2020 (Governor’s Press Service)— Turkana leaders have faulted Building Bridges Initiatives (BBI) report for omitting community’s views in the current draft being debated.

The leaders led by the Governor Josphat Nanok, accused the BBI secretariat of failure to include community views presented to them in March this year.

“As leaders, we are so disappointed that our views were omitted from the report. This BBI has more problems than the 2010 constitution that is under implementation,” Governor Nanok said.

The Governor further said that the report will be rejected if it does not consider the interest and the views of the Turkana people and other pastoralists communities. “Other Pastoralist communities are disappointed as well because the document will further marginalize the communities that are still grappling to benefit fully from the fruits of devolution.

Nanok further pointed out that the contentious issues are those that are being amended in the 2010 constitution through the BBI document that is now being reviewed by all Kenyans.

Addressing leaders’ forum at Ekales centre in Lodwar during the review of the BBI document, the Governor said they will leave no stone unturned, adding that the document should reflect the interests of all Kenyans.

“We need inclusivity in this document. BBI document was at a verge of being rejected by Kenyans if they had to pass it at a referendum because the draft had a lot of a normallies which are vested on certain interest of some individuals,” the Governor said.

He said the Pastoralists elected leaders have picked out 12 issues that affect marginalized communities across the Northern frontier Counties.

Governor Nanok said issues to do with revenue sharing in the document remain fishy because it is like giving with one hand and taking away with the other, thus derailing socio-economic development of the region.

The Governor said with this decision, Turkana tends to lose 1.5 billion of its annual allocation as indicated by the BBI report.

He said the decision shall take back the country to another fresh senate debate on revenue allocation that had already been concluded and determined. “We should get our rightful allocation of revenue based on the poverty indexes, the vastness of the areas and population size,” he stated.

Nanok suggested that the 70 additional special seats should be distributed equally among the 47 counties the remaining be shared based on population size.

The Governor also said that the BBI report was not considering the two thirds of the gender seats and instead it has further marginalized women across the country.

He said the 47 women representatives should not be removed and be taken to the senate as senators as suggested by the BBI report.

The Governor further touched on land issue, saying that community land should be registered so that pastoralists benefit from their natural resource. “Before compulsory acquisition all community land should be registered. The county government and community must be consulted and therefore participate in exploration of natural resources in the county,” he said.

On the equalization fund, the Governor said Equalization Fund period be extended from the 20 years to 30 years since some of the years have already elapsed with no funds reaching the Counties, adding that the fund should be released as conditional grants to cater for specific development projects in the region.

The Governor echoed sentiments by local leaders and residents to have the document amended to allow the senate to become an upper house to veto all decisions from parliament and vet top government officers too.

He said that the office of Ombudsman should not be put together with the Judicial Service Commission to promote independency of the judiciary.

He added that IEBC should be left as an independent body and should not be influenced by key political parties as the BBI suggested.

He said the top five seats that have been created under BBI should consider regional and gender balance.

He urged the locals to continue observing Covid 19 measures because Turkana is now badly affected by the disease as the number of infected people had hit more than 100 people.

On his part, Turkana Senator Malachy Ekal registered his disappointment on the BBI after finding out that the revenue allocation formula that he fought for in the Senate two months ago had been secretly sneaked back through the back door into the document.

“Attempt to bribe me three times by a top party official to reject the revenue allocation formula proved futile because the formula had robbed Turkana their rightful national cake.” Ekal said.

Turkana Central MP John Lodepe urged other communities residing in Turkana to unite with the Turkana people either to reject or adopt the document as they are part and parcel of the county.

Turkana West Daniel Epuyo and his counterpart for Turkana East asked the community to reject the document as community interests have been left out.

“Let us reject this document because it is only for the top executive not for us the marginalized people of Turkana,” They said.

At the forum, the Woman MP Joyce Emanikor said that the nomination of women in parliament basing on votes garnered by a party is unfair as the criteria is not clear on the number seats allocated to women for both National and County Assembly.

The speaker of the County Assembly Ekitela Lokaale said that the 2019 census exercise was doctored as many residents were not counted. He said the census exercise was a fishy scheme to create an avenue for the BBI draft to deny the locals their rights.

Earlier on, the County Attorney Erastus Ethekon and Deputy County Secretary Robert Loyelei took the participants through the BBI document so that they can understand and make informed decisions before the onset of a referendum.

Present during the event was Deputy Governor Peter Lotethiro, County Attorney Erastus Ethekon, CEC Namuar Emathe (Finance and Economic Planning), CEC Jane Ajele (Health), CEC Chris Aletea (Water Service, Environment and Mineral Resources), CEC George Emojong (Tourism and Culture), CEC Philip Aemun (Agriculture, Fisheries and Pastoral Economy), CEC Lokaimoe Losike (Roads and Infrastructure), CEC Charles Lokiyoto (Education, Sports, Youth and Social Protection) and CEC Benson Lokwang (Public Service and Disaster Management), Chief of Staff Ebenyo Nakiporo, CCO Pauline Lokuruka, CCO Joseph Ekalale Imoni and KNUT Secretary Peter Ewaat among others. A host of County Directors also attended and supported the organization of the forum.

Others who spoke are County Assembly Majority Leader, Bethuel Kobong’in, Chairperson of Women Caucus in the Assembly, Dorcas Epusiye, Chairman Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pius Ewoton among others.

Kabarnet, November 7th 2020 (Governor’s Press Service)

Governor Josphat Nanok has called on leaders from the North Rift region to embrace peace by adopting a peace Caravan strategy in all conflicts prone counties severely hit by cattle rustling menace.   

“No development can take place in areas where the gun is ruling the day and caused mayhem of residents. It is unfair this protracted conflict has uprooted people from their homes living thousands of families in an impoverished condition,” Nanok said.

Addressing leaders from North Rift in Kabarnet in Baringo County on Friday Governor Nanok asked  leaders to join hands and work together to achieve a sustainable peace that will rebuild the lives of residents and those Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) in the region.

During the meeting, the Governor appealed to his Baringo Counterpart Stanley Kiptis  to halt eviction plans of the Turkana and other communities living in  a Prison farm in Marigat on humanitarian grounds and spare the families from a second displacement, since most of them are originally from conflict-prone areas of Turkana East.

The Governor revealed that West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Turkana Counties have enjoyed peaceful coexistence for a three-year period, thanks to the leadership that worked hard to establish peace along the Turkwel Corridor, urging Baringo and Turkana East leadership to emulate these counties.

He further said that Uganda and Turkana border is also benefiting from the cross border peace an initiative that has yielded fruits along the conflicts prone region.

Regional Commissioner for North Rift, George Natembeya warned leaders against sabotaging peace efforts in their respective areas.

Baringo Governor who was the host of the meeting, Stanley Kiptis urged leaders to commit to peace and promote harmonious relationships to achieve socio-economic development that will save North Rift residence from decades of imminent conflicts brought about by continuous cattle theft.

Governor Nanok said that his interest was to see Suguta valley pacified and called on both the MP for Tiaty Constituency William Kamket and his counterpart from Turkana East Ali Lokiru to walk the talks.

However Turkana East MP Ali Lokiru and his counterpart from Tiaty Constituency in Baringo William Kamket vowed to commit to peaceful co-existence among the warring communities by embracing handshake that will bring sanity at bloody hotspot in Suguta valley.

“I will be the biggest beneficiary if peace will be achieved in the volatile areas in Silale in Tiaty Constituency,” Kamket said.

He also called on leaders to support peace efforts through the formation of peace caravans along the conflicts corridor.

On his part, Lokiru affirmed that he had held several discussions with Kamket on several occasions and agreed to give peace a chance by supporting both communities to live peacefully.

North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) Chairman and Uasingishu Governor Jackson Mandago said that insecurity had affected trading activities in the region adding that peace is urgently needed to address poverty levels among residents through establishment of socio-economic projects and exploitation of natural resources.

“Without peace, the region cannot benefit from its natural resources. Leaders who will not back peace efforts should be cursed so that a new crop of leaders is given a chance to achieve peace to promote the socio-economic welfare of the citizens,” Mandago said.

In the meeting, the leaders agreed to shun inciteful leaders  who are  using  conflict as a tool to gain cheap popularity in winning votes during elections.

The Chairman of Turkana MPs Caucus Christopher Nakuleu said that though the land is an emotive issue any Kenyan can live anywhere by law and receive services wherever they are settled without renaming areas and staging false claims, thus causing animosity.

The Speaker of Turkana County Assembly, Ekitela Lokaale who led a delegation of MCAs, asked leaders to recognize the efforts of MCAs in the peace process as they are available at the grass-root level.

Lokaale said two months ago he hosted West Pokot County Assembly in Lodwar  as a show of peaceful relationship, adding that he  will  in future host Baringo County Assembly to showcase peaceful co-existence as well among leaders.

Turkana Woman MP, Joyce Emanikor urged leaders to include women in the peacemaking process because women have suffered the brunt of conflict as victims of cattle raids.

Leaders who spoke and were present during the meeting was West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo, Deputy Governor for Elgeyo Marakwet Wesley Rotich, Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis, and Uasingishu Governor Jackson Mandago, Turkana Senator Malachy Ekal ,MPs from Turkana; Christopher Nakuleu (North), John Lodepe (Central), Daniel Epuyo (Turkana West), Joyce Emanikor (Woman MP), James Lomenen (South), Jeremiah Lomorukai (Loima), Ali Lokiru (Turkana East), Turkana MCAs were led by Speaker Ekitela Lokaale, Majority Leader Bethuel Kobongin (Songot Ward), Dorcas Epusiye Chairperson (Women Caucus), Peace Committee Members in the assembly  and a host of MCAs.

The meeting was also addressed by MPs, MCAs and officials from the National Government led by RC Natembeya and Security Organs. Samburu and Laikipia were also represented.

County Secretary Peter Eripete led County Government Senior officials including; Erastus Ethekon (County Attorney), CEC Benson Lokwang (Public Service and Disaster Management), Chief of Staff Ekuwam Nakiporo, Augustine Lokwang (Senior Security Advisor and Borderline Initiatives), Phoebe Kaaman (Advisor Partnership, Gender and Children Affairs), Rebecca Lowoiya (Political and Inter-Governmental Relations, John Lokoli (Acting Director for Peace) and Chris Eregae (Deputy Director for Adminstration).

The meeting resolved to continue with joint peace meetings in all affected areas within three months starting from Kapedo next week.

Some of the Key issues which will be undertaken include the  establishment security roads, ensure free movement of people with police escorts until normalcy returns.

The meeting also resolved to provide social amenities, the motivation of peace champions in all areas affected by the conflict, establish peace and border committees, creation of markets days, a crackdown on illegal arms and intensify patrols, implementation presidential directives on roads (Chemelingot-Lokichar Road of 2018), improve absenteeism of chiefs from workstations, chiefs vacancies to be filled, arrest, and prosecute cattle rustlers.

Lodwar, 2nd November 2020— County Executive for Agriculture, Pastoral Economy and Fisheries Philip Aemun has flagged off vaccines meant for targeted livestock vaccination and deworming in several parts of Turkana East Sub-County.

CEC Aemun said that the exercise was informed by reported cases of disease outbreaks through the County e~surveillance system,and targets to cover 45,000 goats and sheep against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) disease locally known as Lomoo.

“As a way of preventing the spread of the disease to other areas,a buffer vaccination has been planned in Katilia,Lokori/Kochodin and parts of Kapedo/Napeitom ward,”. He said.

CEC Aemun said regular vaccination and supportive treatment of livestock  was part of livelihood’s resilience programme by the County Government to cushion the  pastoralist from loosing their animals as well as boosting  health to get a good price in the market

The County Executive briefed the officials from the National Government on the department’s  effort to eliminate livestock through Public-private partnerships as well as participatory disease surveillance that he said was effective and evidence-based. He reported of surge of livestock diseases after desert locust invasion to several parts of Turkana.

The 9-day exercise is being supported by state department of Livestock through the Regional Pastoral Livelihoods Resilience Project(RPLRP) that is domiciled at the County department of pastoral economy.

County Chief Officer for Fisheries, Livestock Production and Veterinary Services Abdullahi Yussuf lauded the National Government support towards livestock vaccination and added that the exercise would include vaccination against hemorrhagic septicemia and rabbies.

State Department of Livestock RPLRP’s head of Livelihoods component Judy Gachora said the project ,which was started in 2016 ,mainly targets Transboundary Animal diseases such PPR, contagious caprine pleuropneumoniae (CCPP) and Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP)that are trade sensitive.

In 2019,RPLRP supported countywide PPR vaccination where over 600,000 sheep and goats were vaccinated,and have this Financial Year procured 1,000,000 and 500,000 doses of Peste des Petits Ruminants(PPR) Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) for Turkana County respectively.

CEC Aemun who later own opened a three day workshop for Trainer of Trainees on best practices of selective breeding for improved livestock called for paradigm shift and adaptation on management of livestock due to changing climatic conditions in Turkana to enable the pastoralist community build resilience among themselves and overcome perennial disasters.

The workshop has been organized by State department of Livestock and facilitated by International Livestock Research Institute aims to capacity build the County Government staff on innovative strategies for increased livestock productivity as well as sustaining projects initiated under RPLRP project as it plans to phase out early next year.

CEC Aemun who termed the training as critical called on the selected staff from the Veterinary Services and Livestock Production directorate to use skills obtained to help farmers on adaptation and effective production of livestock to mitigate Socio-Economic disasters such as the one that was witnessed after the desert locust invasion early this year.

Also present during the launch at Mifugo Complex were Directors Dr.Benson Longor(Veterinary Services),Bobby Ekadon(Livestock Production); Deputy Director for Administration Geoffrey Apedor and RPLRP’s County Coordinator Steve Rono.

County Government staff drawn from the departments of Pastoral Economy and Fisheries attended the ceremony.

Lodwar, 26th October (Governor’s Press Service)

Governor Josphat Nanok chaired a forum to approve projects picked under the Kenya National Highways Authority’s social infrastructure projects for the Lokichar-Nakodok road construction.

The meeting at the Cradle Tented Camp in Lodwar brought together elected leaders and representatives of communities and concluded a consultative process to decide type of projects and their distribution across the six sub-counties.

Speaking after the meeting, Governor Nanok hailed the consultative nature of the process and noted that KeNHA had green light from the leaders to embark on procurement of the projects by this December.

The projects are as a result of the MOU signed between KeNHA and the County Government last July, with the county agreeing to waive levies and fees charged on construction material for the road construction. The agreement unlocked Sh2.8 billion funding the social infrastructure projects as Ccorporate Social Responsibility by the Authority.

Throughout the process, Governor Nanok insisted that entire Turkana was a catchment for the road, and the projects had to be spread across the county, as a form of value addition to the road project. The projects are distributed in sectors including education, health, water and trade.

In the allocation, Turkana South received Sh900million, Turkana West Sh700million, Turkana North Sh460million, Loima Sh276million and Turkana East Sh262million.

Turkana North MP Christopher Nakuleu who is the chair of the MP caucus assured KeNHA of the region’s support for the projects and political goodwill from leaders. He asked for the Authority to shorten the procurement process to speed up the implementation.

Eng. James Gatitu who represented KeNHA’s Director General in the meeting assured that the Authority will treat as priority the list of projects approved.

MPs present were John Lodepe (Turkana Central), James Lomenen (Turkana South) Ali Lokiru (Turkana East) and Epuyo Nanok (Turkana West).

County Assembly Speaker Ekitela Lokaale led a team MCAs which included Deputy Speaker Michael Ewoi (Lapur), Leader of Majority Bethwel Kobong’in, Leader of Minority Benedict Lokamar, James Abei (Katilu), David Erukudi (Lobokat), Stephen Edukon (Turkwel), Raphael Loperito (Lokichar), Patrick Napion (Kaeris).

Others were Robert Lowoko (Lodwar Township), William Ebenyo (Kotaruk/Lobei), Jackson Lowoi (Loima) and Patrick Imana (Lokiriama/ Lorengippi).

County Secretary Peter Eripete led Senior County Government officials present, who included Chief Officers Rosemary Nchinyei (Roads); Moses Natome (Water Services, Environment and Mineral Resources); Abraham Losinyen (Finance), Joshua Lemuya (Lands); Pauline Lokuruka (Education) and Dr. Lolelea Natade (Agriculture).

Others were Chief of Staff Ekuwom Nakiporo, Advisors Phoebe Kaaman (Partnerships, Gender and Children Affairs); Rebecca Lowoiya (Politics and Intergovernmental Relations) and Boniface Korobe (Culture and Heritage).

Nadapal, 23rd October 2020 (Governor’s Press Service)— Governor Josphat Nanok today launched installation of 144 core fibre optic cable which will run from Nakodok/Nadapal to Eldoret, and commissioned rehabilitated fibre network.

The Governor said the 630km fibre network would improve communication network across the counties, trade and government service delivery to the citizens.

The 144 core fibre optic cable is part of the National Optic Fibre Backbone project aimed at ensuring connectivity across Kenya, and will  cover Turkana, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu counties and parts of Kakamega.

Governor Nanok said Turkana’s interest in the project is an extension to Lake Turkana to boost growth of the blue economy and encourage development of a rural ICT hub in the county.

He cited Loropio Model Value Villages at Lake Turkana as an example where a private company is doing marvelous job in ice processing and promoting fish export, using waste products from the fish to make animal feeds, produce fish leather for products such as shoes, bags, belts among other leather items.

He further said the villages also have an ICT innovation hub, schools and agricultural farms that will spur economic growth in the county.

He revealed that consultation among leaders on KeNHA CSR projects was ongoing, with rollout of implementation expected after validation of agreed and prioritised projects. The County boss said the County Government had waived over Sh1billion of taxes and charges in the road construction to make possible in the agreement with KeNHA.

Among the proposed projects is a livestock market in Nadapal, which the Governor said would boost integration of communities along the border with South Sudan. He said such a project had been earmarked as a critical resource for pastoralists in the area.

He attributed the success of the project to the good partnership between County Governments and the Ministry of ICT and Transport. He said counties had contributed by provision of land for telecommunication infrastructure as well as developing road connection to the corridor.

He expressed appreciation for the speed and quality of road construction between Lodwar and Nakodok but asked for fasttracking of section between Kalobeyei River and Nadapal.

The Governor commended security agencies supporting the infrastructure projects.

He urged the governments of Kenya and South Sudan to complete border delimitation and demarcation process to address conflict over the boundary which had affected construction of the Nadapal-Nakodok section.

However, the Governor insisted the road and ICT project was critical to the development of both countries and should be allowed to conclude to allow residents enjoy benefits.

The project is part of the Eastern Africa Regional Transport and Trade Development Facilitation Project; and together with the 601km Lesseru-Nadapal/Nakodok road corridor will revolutionise cross-border trade and improve relations.

Governor Nanok thanked the National Government for the project and President Uhuru Kenyatta for the launch of a Digital Economy Blueprint aimed at transforming delivery of government services.

Governor Nanok said the project will change the face of the country by boosting trade and investment, improve service delivery by government.

Representative of the Ministry of ICT Hesbon Malwenyi said the fibre network will be connected to government offices, Huduma centres, institutions such as schools, police stations and courts. He thanked both tiers of government of their cooperation.

Chairman of the ICT Authority Prof. Frederick Owino said restriction of movement caused by the Covid-19 pandemic had underscored the importance of strengthening with the “new normal” set to continue post-coronavirus.

Others who spoke were CEO of the ICT Authority Dr. Katherine Getao,  Eng. James Kungu of the State Department of Infrastructure, representative of World Bank Country Director Eng. James Theuri and a representative from the National Ministry of Energy among others.

Senior County Government officials present included County Executives Emathe Namuar (Finance and Economic Planning), Esther Lokwei (Trade, Gender and Youth Affairs) and Patrick Losike (Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works); Chief Officers Jeremiah Apalia (Economic Planning) and Joseph Ekalale (Office of the Governor); Advisors Cpt. (Rtd.) Augustine Lokwang (Security, Peace and Borderland Initiatives) and Phoebe Kaaman (Partnerships, Gender and Children Affairs) and Director of ICT James Emuria Eripon.

Lodwar, 20th October (Governor’s Press Service)— County frontline health workers have been hailed as heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic period.

During today’s Mashujaa Day celebrations Governor Josphat Nanok lauded healthcare workers as heroes for their efforts in different aspects of the emergency response.

“Healthcare workers who in the last seven months have been engaged in emergency response against Covid-19 pandemic are our heroes of this season. As you are aware, as the rest of the world was being encouraged to work from home, they did not have the luxury and options but to put their lives and that of the health of their families at risk to take care of us,” he said.

The Governor singled out for praise different units in the response including Isolation Facilities Workforce; the Rapid Response Teams, medical supplies department, Screening Officers, Surveillance officers as well as the County and Sub County Emergency Response Committees. He also recognised security and enforcement teams who have worked to enforce regulations to contain the virus.

While wishing a quick recovery to health workers who had contacted the virus, the Governor warned of rising infection caused by failure to adhere to safety measures against coronavirus such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance.

He revealed that the Lodwar County Referral Hospital(LCRH) was missing health workers who had been infected and the facility had limited in patient services while fumigation was being carried out yesterday. He assured the public that the facility will be opened soon with recruitment of more health workers about to be concluded.

The Governor who chairs the Turkana County leadership forum said it was a platform to discuss issues affecting all residents of Turkana, topics he said the leaders had agreed to address together in unity.

He said the summit would soon meet to discuss projects chosen by Members of Parliament to be implemented through KeNHA’s Sh2.8 billion CSR programme.

On employment of casual workers the Governor insisted that the process was structured meant to keep a manageable workforce and will be determined by availability of funds. He assured that those vetted and found with desirable skills will be recruited.

Governor Nanok blamed the National Treasury for failure to disburse equalisation fund meant to finance a number of water projects including in Kawalase and Kalokol. He urged the County Commissioner and MPs to push for disbursement of the funds to allow completion of the projects.

On BBI, Governor Nanok has said impeding debate of a change to the constitution should be inclusive of all Kenyans and their views. He cautioned against a divisive process insisting that issues being addressed will affect all Kenyans.

He promised not to take a stand on the BBI report before release of the report and views of Turkana residents heard, a stand he said was a stand of all elected leaders.

The County boss reiterated his committment to work with the National Government on development programmes and cautioned Government officials pushing for exclusion of the County Government in implementation of National projects.

He repeated calls for a stakeholders meeting on oil to be convened by CS for Petroleum and Mining John Munyes, to address public concern on oil operations in South Lokichar Basin.

The Governor said he was yet to retire from politics and assured residents of the Turkana that he will be involved in the politics of the County in different capacity and continue to champion for issues of its residents.

County Commissioner Wambua Muthama awarded Head of State Commendation to Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairlady Jennifer Tioko, Chairman of the Turkana Council of Elders Charles Lorogoi and Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce (Turkana Chapter), Pius Ewoton who will receive his medal in a different venue.

Speaker of County Assembly Ekitela Lokaale said the house will make laws in tandem with problems facing residents of Turkana and ensure support to the executive in the development agenda.

Governor Nanok was accompanied by County First Lady Margaret Nanok.

Leaders who addressed the event included Senator Malachy Ekal, MPs John Lodepe (Turkana Central) and Jeremiah Lomurkai (Loima); MCAs James Ikeny (Kanamkemer), Raphael Loperito (Lokichar), Ebenyo Naur (Kotaruk/Lobei), and Robert Lowoko (Lodwar Township) and Dorcas Epusiye (Nominated and Leader of Women Caucus).

Senior County Government officials present included CECs Benson Lokwang (Public Service, Administration and Disaster Management); Jane Ajele (Health); Esther Lokwei (Trade, Gender and Youth Affairs); Philip Aemun (Agriculture, Pastoral Economy and Fisheries); and Emoru Emojong (Tourism, Culture and Natural Resources) and Jenniffer Nawoi (Lands, Energy, Housing and Urba Areas Development)

Others were Chief of Staff Ekuwom Nakiporo, Chief Officers Joseph Ekalale (Office of the Governor), Joshua Lemuya (Lands) and Dr. Lolelea Natade (Agriculture), Senior Advisor for Security, Peace and Borderland Initiatives Cpt. (Rtd.) Augustine Lokwang among others.

Lokori, 18th October 2020 (Governor’s Press Service)— Stakeholders on peace in Turkana East Sub-County have kicked off community engagements to solve causes of insecurity along the border with Baringo County.

Governor Josphat Nanok today chaired a meeting attended by elected leaders, heads of National Security agencies from the sub-county and representatives of the community as the regions embarks on a fresh push to bring lasting peace and security.

The Governor announced that together with his counterparts from Governor Stanley Kiptis of Baringo, Prof. John Lonyangapuo of West Pokot and Regional County Commissioner, John Natembea they had resolved to hold a series of engagements in a bid to end conflicts that were the root of instability in area.

Next month, there will be a meeting on security in Kabarnet which will then lead to further meetings involving peace committees, community elders and heads of kraals from both counties.

He stated that the engagements will not discuss issues on the border as boundaries on the map of Kenya had never changed and that it was the responsibility of the National Government to address any uncertainty.

He used the peace enjoyed along border of Turkana South , Loima and West Pokot as an example to emulate and told residents that peace is an important component of development, security and wellbeing of the community and must be taken seriously.

The Governor urged that members of peace committees that will be consituted will be instrumental in driving community engagements, be committed to the process and be ready to sacrifice for the greater good.

On effort to resettle areas vacated by residents due to insecurity, the Governor said the County Government was investing to develop settlement schemes in areas of Turkana East and across the county.

He insisted that Turkana East would be one of the most populous regions in the county if not for insecurity. He promised the Deputy County Commissioner Said Shaaban that County Administrators will support efforts to issue residents in the sub-county with Identity Cards.

Once again Governor Nanok faulted the National Government’s plans to acquire land for development on oil, for failure to consult and involve the County Government which is the custodian of community land. He warned that any effort which does not follow the law will be futile and is meant to mislead the community.

He informed residents that he had written to the CS for Petroleum and Mining John Munyes to hold community engagements on oil operations and land acquisition, to answer questions and address the public concern.

The County boss directed County Executives to organise for a meeting within a month to address issues of development raised by residents during the meeting.

County Secretary Peter Eripete said that peace is a along and difficult process that needs tolerance and perseverance to achieve.

Deputy County Commissioner Said Shaban urged the community to work closely with security agencies and assured of their commitment to the pursuit for peace and development.

On issuance of identity cards Shaaban urged his officers to kick off the process to ensure residents without National Identity cards apply for the cards. He appealed to residents to collect 1, 500 IDs for Turkana that are still uncollected in Lodwar.

Turkana East MP Ali Lokiru called on residents to follow one path in the pursuit for peace, and support leaders in the effort to engage with their counterparts from Baringo County.

Lokori/Kochodin MCA Benedict Lokamar proposed setting up of peace structures at the grassroots which will push the peace process, urging that pursuit for stability should be a priority. He was accompanied by other MCAs Daniel Emekwi (Katilia), Willy Nalimo (Kapedo/Napeitom) and a host of Nominated members.

The Governor was accompanied by County Secretary Peter Eripete, County Attorney Erastus Ethekon, County Executives Emathe Namuar (Finance and Economic Planning); Jane Ajele (Health); Chris Aletia (Water, Environment and Mineral Resources); Charles Lokiyoto (Education, Sports and Social Protection); Jennifer Nawoi (Lands, Energy, Housing and Urban Areas Development); Patrick Losike (Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works).

Esther Lokwei (Trade, Gender and Youth Affairs); Philip Aemun (Agriculture, Pastoral Economy and Fisheries); Benson Lokwang (Public Service, Adminstration and Disaster Management) and Emoru Emojong (Tourism, Culture and Natural Resources).

Chief Officers were Moses Natome (Water) and Pauline Lokuruka (Education).

Advisors present included Cpt. (Rtd.) Augustine Lokwang (Security, Peace and Borderland Initiatives); Phoebe Kaaman (Partnerships, Gender and Children Affairs); Rebecca Lowoiya (Politics and Intergovernmental Relations); Boniface Korobe (Culture and Heritage); Nobert Okumu (Legal) and Protus Akuja (Extractives).

County Executive for Agriculture,Pastoral Economy and Fisheries Philip Aemun today received a solar-powered refrigerator from Save the Children Organization that will be used for storage of vaccines and drugs at the Lokitaung Cold chain store in Turkana North Sub-County.

Speaking during the handover ceremony,CEC Aemun thanked the organization for the support and said that the donation would boost the department’s livestock health outreach programs at the sub-county levels with an aim of making sure that every ward is covered.

He said that construction of Cold chain stores at the sub-county level was meant to decentralize services close to wananchi

Decentralization,he said,would strengthe supportive treatment of livestock and timely disease control outbreaks that would have positive impacts to the pastoral community ,who in the past had to wait for drugs to be ferried from the County headquarters.

The County Executive revealed plans to construct Cold chain stores in Turkana West,Loima and Turkana East as additional structures to the existing one in Lokichar,Lodwar and Lokitaung.

He called for accountability on donated items and County Government’s to help meet the intended target which is to improve human and animal health ,and nutrition as well as improve service delivery to wananchi

The Cold chain equipment,worth US $7,113,has a net vaccine storage capacity of 25.5 litres and can run for 72hrs when fully charged and is suitable for hot and dry weather as exhibited in Turkana County. It’s aimed at improving livestock productivity and ensure livestock in high risk-areas receive timely vaccination and treatment services under a safe storage capacity.

Save the Children Program Manager Antony Evelia lauded partnerships activities with the County Government, that he said had enabled training of 31 community disease reporters on livestock disease surveillance,treatment of livestock and distribution of supplementary livestock feeds to drought affected households in Kibish sub-County.

CEC Aemun together with his Infrastructure,Transport and Public Works counterpart Patrick Losike Lokaimoe also flagged off vaccines and assorted antibiotics that will be used for vaccination and supportive treatment of livestock in selected areas of Turkana North and Central sub-counties.

The two week vaccination exercise that has been informed by the e~surveillance reporting system will jointly be done by the County Veterinary Services Directorate and Concern Worldwide Organization.

CEC Aemun acknowledged the support Concern Worldwide organisation had offered on livestock diseases surveillance ,noting that their latest entry into vaccination and treatment programs would complement Pastoral economy department efforts to make the county a livestock disease free zone through regular livestock treatment that is evidence based.

CEC Patrick Losike said that Public-Private partnership engagement approach was a good move towards resource mobilization to address development gaps in Turkana where the devolved funds cant reach adding that his ministry would continue improving roads infrastructure to ensure pastoralists are reached on the planned activities.

On his part,County Chief Officer for Fisheries,Livestock Production and Veterinary Services Abdullahi Yusuf said that the department will continue working with livestock stakeholders to strengthen animal health given that its the the main social-economic activity for residents of Turkana.

Concern Worldwide program manager Ian Wanyoike assured of the organization intend to continue collaborating with the County Government on its health and nutrition supported programme in Turkana.

County Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Benson Longor said that the vaccination targets 60,000 livestock ,and will focus on endemic diseases such as acute enteritis,Contagious Caprine Plural Pneumonia(CCPP) ,sheep and pox diseases as well as Peste des Petits Ruminants(PPR) that had been reported through the e~surveillance system.

County Government staff drawn from the Pastoral Economy and Fisheries department attended the ceremony that was held at Mifugo Complex.

Lodwar, 16th October 2020 (Governor’s Press Service)— Turkana leaders questioned the recruitment process of teachers in the region by the Teacher’s Service Commission (TSC), with non-residents picked over residents.

Led by Governor Josphat Nanok, the leaders have called for affirmative action in the recruitment to ensure residents of Turkana take available positions.

Speaking in Nakwamekwi, Lodwar, during the burial of former Lakezone MCA Moses Lomobong and Chairman County Audit Committee, the Governor said the County Government was fair in its recruitment with 60 of available opportunities given to non-residents for sectors with few skilled workforce from Turkana.

“TSC in recruitment to fill 46 position chooses to go for teachers from outside the county yet we have over 300 graduates from Turkana. Who is better qualified to address residents of Turkana? Employ those qualified from here who will stay here and can work in any corner of Turkana,” he said.

The Governor, who was accompanied by County First Lady Margaret Nanok, asked why affirmative action to employ more locals in Turkana was not being applied like in other ASALs counties such as Samburu and Isiolo.

Turkana North MP Christopher Nakuleu who is the chair of the MPs caucus also questioned lack of procedure in teacher recruitment process and promised that leaders will keep pushing for fairness.

Senator Malachy Ekal said practice to hire locals was common in other regions and wondered why Turkana was an exception.

Governor Nanok paid tribute to the late Lomobong as a selfless leader, industrious and passionate about development of the ward as evident in his track record as Lakezone MCA between 2013 and 2017.

He reiterated that he will not retire from politics post 2022 and promised to ensure that his successor was equal to task in extending his transformative agenda of Turkana.

He urged County Government staff to serve with deligence as public servants and be accountable in management of resources.

The County boss said leaders will work to ensure the region was part of the equation of forming government in 2022.

On the political future of Turkana, the Governor insisted that elected leaders had resolved to speak in one voice on issues affecting the region. He gave an example of the consensus in distribution of resources to be funded by Sh2.8 billion as CSR from construction of the Lokichar-Nakodok A1 road.

He wondered why there was no single resident of Turkana in recent appointment by President Uhuru Kenyatta of Ambassadors, high commissioners and permanent representatives. He said the region had lost even the one Ambassador position held by Amb. Richard Ekai as Kenya envoy to Russia.

The Governor assured residents living along Lake Turkana that the County Government and partners will support those affected by rising levels of Lake Turkana. He revealed that the National Government was carrying out assessment of flooded lakes in the Rift Valley, which will advise support for those affected.

As a solution to the danger of spill-over at the Turkwel dam, Governor Nanok proposed that the National Government activate irrigation schemes along River Turkwel and supply surplus water to help solve water shortage in parts of Turkana.

Deputy Governor Peter Lotethiro who is the Chair of the County Emergency Response Committee (CERC) raised alarm on rising number of Covid-19 infection in the county, warning of dangers of failure to adhere to health precautions against the virus.

Speaker of the County Assembly Ekitela Lokaale led the House in paying tribute to the late Lomobong, and urged for continued unity of leaders.

Other leaders who spoke included MPs John Lodepe (Turkana Central) and Jeremiah Lomurkai (Loima); former Speaker of the County Assembly Geoffrey Kaituko and Deputy County Secretary Robert Loyelei.

Senior County Government officials present included County Executives Emathe Namuar (Finance and Economic Planning), Jane Ajele (Health), Chris Aletia (Water, Environment and Mineral Resources), Charles Lokiyoto (Education, Sports and Social Protection), Jennifer Nawoi (Lands, Energy, Housing and Urban Areas Development) and Patrick Losike (Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works).

Chief Officers were Abraham Losinyen (Finance), Joshua Lemuya (Lands) and Pauline Lokuruka (Education).