Lokiriama – 18 October 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Traders along the Namoruputh-Moroto belt are gearing up for a surge in business during the 51st annual Lokiriama Peace Accord festival, which runs from October 17th to 19th.

Local vendor Simon Kuya said traders have already set up their goods at strategic locations to attract potential customers. “We expect thousands of people from both Kenya and Uganda,” he said.

Traders who typically operate in Lokiriama town have relocated to the festival venue to maximize sales. Alice Cheptoo explained that this would make services more accessible to attendees. “I’m hopeful this year will be even better,” she said.

The Lokiriama Peace Accord, signed in 1973, marked the end of hostilities between the Turkana and Matheniko communities. The annual festival draws participants from across the region.

A Matheniko elder who witnessed the original 1973 event noted that the peace accord has delivered long-lasting benefits, such as improved infrastructure.

Local youth leader Jacob Achuman emphasized the region’s reliance on supplies from Moroto, Uganda, which increase significantly during the festival. He also highlighted the business community’s eagerness to take advantage of ongoing discussions about upgrading Lokiriama to town status.

With plans underway from the county and national governments to enhance road infrastructure between Kenya and Uganda, Achuman added that the festival provides a valuable opportunity for traders to engage with leaders and advocate for speeding up these development initiatives.