29th February 2024 (Governor’s Press Service)- Today in Lokichoggio, Governjoined the Principal Secretary for the State Department for EAC Affairs, Mr. Abdi Dubat, alongside a joint team from Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC), for a feasibility and consultative meeting over the border points of entry.
He urged the National Government to operationalize the entry points of Nawountos, Kibish, and Nakitong’o recommended by the committee in order to facilitate cross-border trade, stating that Turkana County is strategically placed in East and the Horn of Africa regions, and opening those PoEs would avail much needed access that will consequently spur economic growth.
“We are interested in the operationalization of this immigration points since Turkana County borders three countries that fall under the East African Community umbrella. I am therefore requesting the concerned Ministry to fast-track it,” he said.
The Governor expressed optimism that peace building efforts among cross-border communities and strengthening security along the three international borders will put an end to hostilities that hamper the movement of both people and goods.
He added that, “It is the responsibility of the National Government to take an active role in the processes of peace building between Kenyans and their neighbours. Since providing security is the preserve of the state, it should take charge and address this cancer along our expansive borders.”
While applauding the national government for complementing his administration’s efforts towards attaining food security and fixing the provision of health services, among other initiatives, he assured of his administration’s readiness to collaborate and provide land for development projects as and when requested by state agencies.
On his part, PS Abdi Dubat offered that the National Government is making an effort to bolster security in the region. He challenged local leaders to deescalate and promote peacebuilding activities with the communities bordering Turkana.
“Where cross-border issues arise, we shall have bilateral engagements or invoke the goodwill of EAC states’ good neighbourliness in order to resolve and mitigate any negative outcomes,” said the PS.
Regarding the road infrastructure from Nadapal to Juba, the PS informed that a Memorandum of Understanding has already been signed between Kenya and South Sudan to ensure that the road is completed, emphasing on the Governor’s remarks that its completion will open the corridor for trade activities. He however cautioned that development can only be realized in a peaceful environment.
Mr. Abdi further pledged that his department will hold peace caravans and high level meetings in Uganda as part of the joint efforts to foster peace among warring communities — especially those who share a common ancestry like the Ateker stating that their shared cultural heritage should be exploited to good effect.
The PS concluded that, “the peace process is a collaborative effort. The support of all and sundry is required.”
Senior County Government officials present were, Deputy County Secretaries Dr. Albert Gamoe and Joseph Nyang’a, County Executive Committee Members David Erukudi (Trade),Peter Akono (Lands), Faith Aletea(Water) and Patrick Losike (Infrastructure), Chief of Staff Peter Loyapan as well as County Chief Officers Leah Losuru (Lands) and Triza Amoni (Energy).
Also present were County Commissioner Julius Kavita, Head of the Border Management Secretariat (BMS) Kennedy Nyaiyo, a team of MCAs led by Deputy Speaker Philip Ekuwam and the area MCA Ekipor Vincent.
