Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai,Napotikan

Today, I hosted Italian Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Vincenzo Del Monaco and officials from UNHCR for discussions on partnerships to support implementation of the Shirika Plan in Turkana.

I called for increased support towards integrating refugees into local economies while strengthening services and opportunities for host communities. Our discussions focused on key sectors including water, health, agriculture, trade and social protection.

Turkana has hosted refugees for over 30 years, and through the Shirika Plan, we have an opportunity to unlock shared economic growth and build resilience for host community and refugees.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are key drivers of economic growth as they create opportunities for financial empowerment and promote self-reliance

Today, I joined fellow leaders and residents of Kerio Delta Ward at Nadoto during an empowerment fundraiser for various community groups.

The empowerment programs are part of our plan to uplift grassroots groups and strengthening community enterprise.

Today, I officially launched the KSh 430 million Turkana County Education Fund for this financial year and presided over the distribution of bursary cheques worth KSh 230 million under the first phase of the programme.

The first phase will benefit 23,754 learners drawn from all the 30 wards across Turkana County.
Education remains the greatest investment we can make for the future of Turkana.

Despite financial challenges, my administration has continued to prioritise support for vulnerable learners to ensure that no child is denied an opportunity to learn because of lack of school fees.

I have urged all stakeholders to ensure that bursaries reach the most deserving students and called on school heads to continue working with us in supporting learners with fee arrears as we seek long-term solutions.

Since coming into office, we have distributed over KSh 1.8 billion through the Education Fund, benefiting more than 165,000 learners in universities, colleges, TVETs, secondary schools, and other institutions.

Happy Labour Day

Today, I joined Legio Maria faithfuls in welcoming Pope Titus Otieno Adika on his official visit to Turkana County.

His visit is a significant moment for the community, and we appreciate the role of religious institutions in promoting unity and peace.

The County Government remains committed to working with faith leaders to advance our development agenda and build a cohesive community.

Today in Loitanit, Kaaleng-Kaikor Ward, I reaffirmed my commitment to delivering development for the people of Turkana, undistracted by politics.

Our focus remains on what matters—strengthening peace across our borders, supporting pastoral livelihoods, improving water access, and investing in critical sectors such as health, roads, markets and education. Areas like Kaaleng-Kaikor are already benefiting from improved road networks and essential services that are opening up opportunities for growth and trade.

Today in Kapese, I joined residents, elders and stakeholders for a public engagement forum convened by the National Lands Commission on land matters related to ongoing and planned oil projects.

The community expressed a clear preference for leasing land for associated infrastructure, while supporting compulsory acquisition only for critical areas such as oil well sites. Their position reflects the need to protect community land rights while ensuring continued benefits from land use.

I reaffirmed that land in Turkana is highly sensitive and must be handled with transparency, dialogue and the full consent of the people. We will not allow a few individuals to benefit at the expense of the community. I have urged all local institutions and leaders to speak with one voice to safeguard community interests.

Our priority remains ensuring that oil production translates into real and equitable benefits for the local community.

Earlier this morning, I met an Australian donor delegation facilitated by Save the Children to discuss the growing climate and humanitarian pressures facing Turkana.

I highlighted the urgent need for increased support as prolonged drought and rising refugee populations continue to strain our capacity, exposing vulnerable communities to risks.

We remain committed to creating an enabling environment for partners, the private sector and philanthropists to support sustainable solutions for our people.

Today, I hosted a delegation from the National Lands Commission, led by NLC Chairperson Abdillahi Alawy, for consultations on land and community matters related to oil production.

We discussed stakeholder engagement on land in the South Lokichar oil basin and need for inclusive process, grounded in listening to the community.

Land remains a sensitive issue, and we must address concerns around acquisition, grazing, and livelihoods with transparency and respect.

The County Government is committed to ensuring that this national project delivers meaningful development while safeguarding the interests, voices, and livelihoods of our people.

Also present was a team from Gulf Energy led by Bethwell Sang, Social Performance Lead.