County Government of Turkana

07/10/2026

Governor Lomorukai Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Community Interests in Turkana West

Kalobeyei, 7th October 2026 (Governor’s Press Service)

Governor Dr Jeremiah Lomorukai has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the interests of Turkana residents, saying no individual or organisation will be allowed to override the wishes of local communities.

Speaking in Kalobeyei during his tour of Turkana West, the Governor said he had made it clear to the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) that residents of Kalobeyei must be consulted before any activities are established in the area.

He said he was also aware that residents of Letea had accepted the establishment of the Letea Community Conservancy, which is being developed as a community-owned and community-led initiative with support from NRT and the County Government.

The Governor assured residents that all discussions relating to land must receive the necessary approval from the County Government, addressing concerns over possible irregular land acquisition.

Dr Lomorukai also urged critics of the recruitment process for members of the County Public Service Board to allow the County Assembly to undertake its oversight and approval mandate. He dismissed claims of unfairness as propaganda and innuendo.

He reaffirmed his commitment to regional cooperation and peaceful coexistence, saying his administration would continue working to strengthen relations with neighbouring communities and facilitate the movement of people and livestock across borders.

The Governor commended leaders, including MCAs from Turkana West and Lokichoggio Sub-Counties, for working with his administration across political lines. He challenged candidates seeking the Turkana West parliamentary seat to compete for the UDA nomination and allow voters to make the final decision.

Dr Lomorukai said he was equally prepared to face the UDA nomination process for the gubernatorial ticket, expressing confidence in his ability to secure the party's nomination.

Kalobeyei MCA Julius Apuron called for dialogue among aspirants seeking the UDA nomination for Turkana West, warning that prolonged divisions could weaken the party's prospects.

On the proposed NRT activities in the sub-county, Apuron called for a clear strategy and greater involvement of elected leaders in key decisions affecting local communities.

Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Turkana Chapter Justus Amoni Ewoi commended the Governor for supporting economic empowerment programmes across the county, saying the initiatives were contributing to increased business activity and investment.

07/10/2026

County commits to food security, financial inclusion for wealth creation

Lodwar - October 6, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Thirty women in Namakat village, Township Ward in Turkana Central, who previously purchased vegetables from as far as Kitale, now earn income from their own irrigated farms after turning prosopis-invaded barren land into productive gardens.

The transformation is the result of a partnership between the County Government of Turkana, Building Livelihoods and Empowering Communities (BLEC) and South North Nexus (SNN), which since 2024 has supported the drilling of a borehole and establishment of irrigation facility for small vegetable plots in the area.

Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus said the County will continue working with partners in the food security and financial inclusion sectors as a strategy to improve livelihoods and lift communities out of poverty.

"Our focus in the next few years is to create a conducive environment for the local population to build wealth and move out of poverty. Looking at projects in Namakat, this is an intervention that perfectly aligns with that goal," Dr. Erus said.

He said interventions that support communities to farm and manage finances help them create value and multiply resources.

SNN Director Deborah Hines said the integrated approach that combined water access, farming and village savings has paid off, with families now able to afford three meals a day and reduced cases of child malnutrition.

"Namakat has gone from barren land colonised by prosopis trees to an area where women grow spinach, cabbage and other indigenous vegetables. Families can now afford three meals a day and their children are no longer malnourished," Hines said.

BLEC Programme Manager Steven Ngetich said food insecurity has been a major challenge in Turkana, noting that BLEC remains committed to working with the County to find lasting solutions.

After the courtesy call, the team visited the farm in Namakat where they witnessed women cultivating vegetables and engaging in village savings and loaning activities.

BLEC also works with the Turkana Chapter Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to equip farmers with entrepreneurial skills, connect them with markets and facilitate access to financial assistance.

Deputy CS in charge of Administration Joseph Nyang'a, Chief Officer Janerose Tioko (Partnerships and Resource Mobilization), and Peter Lomauge (Director, Protocol) were present.

07/10/2026

County Government hosts Water Sector Trust Fund Board

Lodwar- October 6, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government has hosted the Board of Trustees of the Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF) to discuss project implementation, coordination and the sustainability of water infrastructure under the Horn of Africa Ground Water for Resilience Projects ( HoAGW4RP).

During the meeting, the Governor, H.E. Jeremiah Lomorukai, welcomed the Board, emphasizing continued cooperation between the County Government and WSTF in addressing the county’s water needs.

“We appreciate the partnership and continued engagement with WSTF. This partnership helps us implement more projects we wouldn't be able to at the county level given lur limited resources,” said Governor Lomorukai.

The Governor called for close coordination among government institutions and stakeholders to ensure that investments are delivered efficiently to achieve their intended purpose.

The acting County Executive for Water Services, James Long'ole said the County Government was committed to working with WSTF and other partners to strengthen water service delivery.

“We remain committed to ensuring that the infrastructure being developed meets the needs of our people. Strong coordination with WSTF and the implementing teams will help address challenges early and ensure that completed facilities remain functional and sustainable,” said Long'ole.

The WSTF team Lead, Lucas Chepkitony said the visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Fund and the County Government.

“This engagement presents the only opportunity to listen to the County Government, understand the priorities on the ground and strengthen our collaboration. Our focus is ensuring that the investments supported through the programme are effectively implemented and benefit the target communities,” said Chepkitony.

The meeting also addressed issues relating to project oversight, quality assurance, coordination and the sustainability of completed infrastructure.

Governor Lomorukai and the WSTF trustees reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement between the two institutions as implementation activities progress.

The meeting marked a further step in strengthening collaboration between the County Government and WSTF in advancing water security in Turkana.

The HoAGW4RP is supporting groundwater investments in Turkana aimed at improving access to reliable water sources and strengthening communities’ resilience to water scarcity.

In attendance were the WSTF board of trustees , HoAGW4RP Coordinator Eng. Charles Ekeno, Turkana Urban Water and Sanitation Company (TUWASCO) Managing Director Kelly Lomuya, Consultant and Contractor Teams.

07/10/2026

County Government and Building Livelihoods and Empowering Communities (BLEC) have established a borehole for irrigation empowering 30 women in Namakat, Turkana Central through farming. The women now produce and sell a variety of vegetables while saving. The program was supported by the South North Nexus Organization (SNN).

The County Government of Turkana in partnership with Building Livel...

07/10/2026

Governor Lomorukai Continues Turkana West Tour

Kalobeyei, 7th October 2026 (Governor’s Press Service)

Governor Dr Jeremiah Lomorukai is spending the second day of his tour of Turkana West in Kalobeyei, where he is leading an economic empowerment drive.

The exercise is in support of Aminatoi Kosi Women Self-Help Group, as part of his ongoing efforts to promote community enterprises and economic empowerment.

He is accompanied by senior County Government officials led by County Executive for Public Service Patrick Losike.

Also present are a host of Members of the County Assembly led by area MCA Julius Apuron.

07/10/2026

County Government, Cereal Growers Association discuss climate-smart farming

Lodwar, October 5, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government is strengthening collaboration with the Cereal Growers Association (CGA) to expand climate-smart farming, improve market access, and strengthen farmer's resilience given Turkana’s climatic setting.

Possible collaborations and support were discussed during the courtesy call to the Office of the Chief Officer for Partnerships, Resource Mobilisation and Donor Coordination, Jane Rose Tioko.

Partnerships and Bussiness Development Lead DR. Mwanje Moses introduced the organization as a non-profit, member-based farmer organisation. He highlighted their work in promoting farmers’ interests through technical support, business linkages, information sharing, access to markets, financial services, and supporting climate-resilient agricultural production.

Deputy Director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Land Reclamation, Esau Emanuel proposed opportunities in drought-tolerant and adaptable seeds, rainwater harvesting, water infrastructure, crop diversification, and improved production of high-value crops.

He also called on CGA to strengthen production of sorghum, cowpeas, groundnuts, sweet potatoes, pulses and green leafy vegetables through value addition and improved market linkages.

The members also explored opportunities for agri-business development, including stronger connections between farmers, input suppliers, financial institutions and output markets. Youth-led initiatives and creating opportunities within agricultural value chains were also discussed.

The meeting further proposed stronger stakeholder coordination, including farmer mapping, engagement with farmer centre leaders, stakeholder forums and improved data sharing between CGA and the County Government.

A field visit to Morulem, Katilu,Turkwel and Kalemnyang’ irrigation schemes, organizing a stakeholder engagement forum, and signing an MoU were discussed as the next steps.

Present were County Economists Magdalene Eris, Samson Ekamais, and Paul Ipulo. Ekai Eregae (Agronomist Turkana Central), Geoffrey Wanjala (Programs Officer, Productivity and Climate Resilience) and Zachaeus Kibet (Agribusiness Coordinator).

06/10/2026

Governor Lomorukai in Lokangae for Youth Empowerment Drive

Lokangae, 6th October 2026 (Governor’s Press Service) — Governor Dr Jeremiah Lomorukai has arrived in Lokangae, Songot Ward, where he is leading a youth empowerment drive.

He is accompanied by County Executive for Public Service Patrick Losike, Chief Officer for Climate Change Joseph Ekalale, Chief of Staff Peter Loyapan and other senior County Government officials.

Also accompanying the Governor are MCAs, including Bethwel Kobingin (Songot), Cosmas Longor (Nanam) and Ruth Kuya (Lodwar Township), among others.

06/10/2026

Emergency intergrated nutrition and WASH response records gains ahead of project close

Lodwar, October 5, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The six-month Eastern and South Africa Humanitarian Fund (ESAHF) project implemented by the County Government in partnership with Save the Children International (SCI) across 10 sub counties in Turkana has recorded key gains.

In Turkana Central, Loima and Lokiriama sub-counties, the integrated outreaches recorded over 18,623 children under five years were screened with increased tracking of key health and nutrition indicators.

The achievements of this emergency Intergrated Nutrition and WASH response were highlighted during a review and reflection meeting bringing together Sub-County Health Management Teams from the three sub-counties ahead of the project close-out. This project began in April, 2026 and is scheduled to close on October 9, 2026.

The government-led, community-driven intervention was implemented through 184 outreach sites across the county, with 53 sites located in Turkana Central, Loima and Lokiriama.

Loima Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Moses Elim commended the programme for contributing to improved health and nutrition indicators through integrated outreaches and regular data review.

"Before the project, Loima had experienced a period of struggling in terms of indicators. The support in terms of integrated health and nutrition outreaches has scaled up the indicators,” said Elim.

He noted that Vitamin A supplementation and deworming increased from 38%, attributing the improvement partly to regular data review meetings that enabled facilities to track their performance.

SCI Health and Nutrition Coordinator Akutan Lobolia said the 184 outreaches were the highest number implemented in the county since the 2016/17 response.

He acknowledged the strong partnership with the county government in addressing implementation challenges, including commodity shortages, through the provision of Cone soya blend (CSB++) and other essential commodities.

As the project ends, Lessons and feedback from the current phase will inform the next phase of programming as the same session taken to Turkana South, North and West.

In his closing remarks, the MOH Elim urged the health teams to strengthen the use of Community Health Services for early screening, identification, referral and management of malnutrition at household and community level.

06/10/2026

County Government inspects Nakururum–Nasoo Road

Friday, October 2, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The Department of Roads has conducted an inspection of the Nakururum–Nasoo Road in Songot Ward, Lokichoggio Sub-County, following the completion of road works along the route.

The 9-kilometre road, funded under the County Ward Fund, is expected to improve accessibility for residents of Nakururum and Nasoo villages.

The scope of works included grading and heavy bush clearing, aimed at opening up the road and improving movement along the route.

Speaking during the inspection, Engineer Emmanuel Amodoi noted that the improved road will enhance access to Nasoo village and the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) Centre from Nakururum.

“The road will open up access to Nasoo village and the ECDE centre from Nakururum. It is also a major boost for the residents as they can now benefit from health outreaches,” he said.

Benson Ekidor, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer was also present.

05/10/2026

Turkana endorsed for National awards for promoting inclusion

Lodwar, October 5, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Turkana County has been endorsed for the National Usawa Awards for promoting inclusion of women in powerful dockets and marginalized communities in budgeting.

National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Chairperson and policy lead Hon. Rehema Jaldesa announced the endorsement during a courtesy call on Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus at the County Headquarters in Lodwar.

Hon. Jaldesa said Turkana qualified for consideration under the Usawa category for two reasons: the appointment of women to non-traditional and powerful dockets including Finance, and the inclusion of marginalized communities in the county budget through affirmative action.

"We must celebrate even the small wins for gender inclusion. The staffing report indicates that the balance is nearly 50-50. A deeper audit shows that women have been given powerful positions including finance," she said.

The Commission is in Turkana for a five-day visit to assess compliance with inclusivity requirements for gender, youth and special interest groups, and to open a new regional station for the North Rift that will offer free legal aid and support a GBV-free county.

DG Erus welcomed the recognition, saying it will complement efforts to strengthen social protection programs and promote inclusion of all segments of the community.

He said the county is deliberately mainstreaming inclusion in all its programs in recognition of the long years of marginalization communities have suffered in the region. The county, he added, follows merit and believes in the competence and capacity of women.

The Deputy Governor noted that the staff gender balance currently stands at 56 percent male against 44 percent female, nearing the constitutional two-thirds gender rule.

Discussions also touched on the presence of a special interest group known as _Ilimanyang_ and a request by the County for support from the Commission to identify and document more such marginalized groups for inclusion in programming.

Other issues discussed included technology-facilitated gender-based violence, the high cost of legal aid for GBV survivors, weak legal and legislative frameworks, public sensitization on inclusion and areas for future collaboration.

Hon. Jaldesa was accompanied by Commissioner Thomas Koyier, EBS, Vice Chairperson, Commissioner Caroline Lentupuru and Commission Secretary/CEO Dr. Purity Ngina.

Present were Deputy County Secretary Joseph Nyang'a, CECMs Roseline Aite (Finance and Economic Planning), Dr. Leah Audan Lokaala (Education, Sports and Social Protection), James Wangiros (Trade, Tourism, Gender and Youth Affairs), Chief Officers Paul Lodunga (Education), Evans Lomodei (Gender and Youth Affairs), Ekal Lokuruka, Director in the Office of the County Attorney, and Phoebe Kamaan, Advisor in the Office of the Governor.