Lodwar, October 25th 2024 (Governor’s Press Service)– President William Ruto has announced a Sh49 million allocation to support the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, Tobong’u Lore.

Speaking during the second day of the festival, the President said the funding was part of the government’s plan to strengthen the festival which had grown into a unifying platform for pastoralist communities in northern Kenya and the East African region.

Commending the County Government for its efforts, President Ruto highlighted the festival’s role in promoting Turkana as a cultural tourism hub and showcasing northern Kenya’s investment potential.

“This festival has become a central event which goes a long way to position Turkana as a top destination for cultural tourism and northern Kenya as a vast territory of abundant investment potential,” he stated. “This year, the Government of Kenya has released Sh49 million to continue supporting this event into the future,” he added.

President Ruto said he had established a Presidential Taskforce on the Development of the Kenya Home of Human Origins Museum and Science Park, based in the Lake Turkana Basin. The task force is conducting a feasibility study for the development of the project aimed at promoting Kenya’s status as the Home of Human Origins and advancing development.

The head of state was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife) and Beatrice Askul (East African Community Affairs) among other senior government officials.

He announced that construction on a Sh900 million project to connect Lodwar to the national power grid had begun. The President said the government will consider proposals from Turkana Central MP Emathe Namuar, considering an extension of the project to reach Kalokol.

In further development plans, President Ruto revealed that Sh360 million would be set aside in the upcoming supplementary budget for Turkana University College infrastructure upgrades needed for the institution’s eventual charter award. He also instructed CS Miano to address concerns from local leaders about the mistreatment of fishermen by Kenya Wildlife Service officers in Lake Turkana.

Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai updated the President on the success of cross-border peace initiatives, highlighting the peaceful coexistence fostered among communities. He announced that a resource-sharing agreement with Uganda had been finalized and requested the President’s engagement with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to formalize its signing.

The Governor thanked the President for appointing Beatrice Askul as a Cabinet Secretary, along with other Turkana professionals in senior government roles.

Uganda’s Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Peter Lokeris, proposed that President Ruto assume the honorary title of Patron for the Ateker Community, a role previously held by former President Daniel Moi. Governor Louis Lobong of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State affirmed that Ateker leaders would continue dialogue with the President on regional matters.

MP Emathe Namuar requested the establishment of a Lake Turkana Development Authority and a ferry service to facilitate transport across the lake to Marsabit.

Senator James Lomenen, Woman Rep Cecilia Ng’itit, County Assembly Speaker Christopher Nakuleu, MPs Dr. John Ariko (Turkana South), Ekwom Nabuin (Turkana North), Protus Akuja (Loima), Nicholas Ng’ikor (Turkana East), and Daniel Epuyo (Turkana West) also spoke during the festival.

Other leaders accompanying the President included Senators Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) and Okong’o Omogeni (Kisii), Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, MPs Julius Taitumu (Igembe North) and Thuku Kwenya (Kinangop).