Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has promised that the County Government will prioritize the completion of county projects during his tenure.
The focus was on Katilia Ward on day four of the Governor’s development tour of Turkana East Sub-County, where he promised to ensure residents get the full value of county funds invested in projects.
“I do not want to be associated with incomplete projects during my time as Governor. When a project is planned for Lopeduru, it has to be completed, launched and it goes into records that during Jeremiah’s tenure, this project was completed,” he said.
The Governor explained the objectives of his tour of the sub-county, which were to thank residents for their support in the last general elections, inspect stalled projects, and engage residents on their development priorities.
On insecurity, the Governor asked the National Government to prioritize Turkana East in the recruitment of National Police Reservists (NPR) as the region had registered the highest number of bandit attacks in the county.
He assured residents that his administration was working to address challenges faced in the region, including water, food insecurity, poor road network, and inadequate infrastructure in the education and health sectors.
The Governor also promised that the County Government will support the education of youth through a revamped Skills Development Fund, whose budgetary allocation will be increased to Sh534 million. An amendment to the Act is currently in the County Assembly.
The Governor said he would work with MCAs to budget for mega projects in priority sectors, which will have a major impact on the people. He said he was proud of the good relations nurtured with the County Assembly which had contributed to the smooth running of the County Government.
Turkana East MP Nicholas Ng’ikor asked the Governor to address key issues affecting the area, including improving water access, developing road network infrastructure, and investing in better healthcare service delivery. He also stated his readiness to work with the Governor and other elected leaders for the benefit of residents.
The MP echoed calls for the government to increase the number of NPRs in the sub-county to help secure the region, which is prone to frequent bandit attacks.
MCAs present included Alphonse Loteder (Katilia), Willy Napuyo (Lokori/Kochodin), Willy Nalimo (Kapedo/Napeitom), and Selina Lokope (nominated).
County Secretary Peter Eripete is leading a team of county officials accompanying the Governor, which includes County Executives David Erukudi (Agriculture), Peter Akono (Lands), James Wangiros (Public Service), Patrick Losike (Roads) and Dr. Anthony Apalia (Health) as well as County Attorney Erastus Ethekon.
Also present are Chief Officers Paul Lodung’a (Office of the Governor), Derick Epae (Administration and Disaster Management), Samuel Ekale (Trade), Janerose Tioko (Agriculture), David Maraka (Energy and Mining) and Cecilia Majuma (Administration); Chief of Staff Peter Yoromoe, Advisors Malachy Ekal (Political) and Ekiru Tulele (Legal), Commissioner Maj. (Rtd) Dr. Daniel Ingolan among other officials.
