Lodwar, 15th December 2024 (Governor’s Press Service) – Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai today welcomed Kenya’s Deputy President, H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, to an interdenominational prayer service held at Moi Gardens, Lodwar.
The service, led by Rev. Dr Francis Namuya of the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya (FGCK), centred on themes of healing, forgiveness, and placing faith at the forefront of human endeavours.
Addressing the congregation, DP Kindiki commended the Turkana County Government for its proactive role in fostering cross-border peace. He assured the county of the national government’s continued support in sustaining and advancing these efforts.
“Significant progress has been made in enhancing peace and stability in the North Rift,” the Deputy President remarked, emphasising the government’s commitment to maintaining security gains.
“In my capacity as Deputy President, I will work with security agencies to ensure we do not lose the progress already achieved.”
He also highlighted the government’s strides in revitalizing the national economy post-COVID-19, attributing the stabilization of critical services, such as reduced fuel and foreign exchange rates, to President William Ruto’s rebuilding strategies.
“The measures we’ve implemented are already yielding results,” he said, urging Kenyans to have faith in the government. “We are putting in place initiatives to ensure money is in people’s pockets in the short term.”
The DP outlined employment-intensive programs aimed at addressing youth unemployment, citing opportunities in the security and public sectors, overseas employment, and education announcing that the Cabinet Secretary for Labour, Alfred Mutua, would soon visit Turkana to ensure local youth benefit from the overseas job program.
Kindiki, noting his current visit was spiritual, pledged to return for a development-focused tour early next year. He praised Turkana’s hospitality and called on other regions to emulate its harmonious coexistence among Kenya’s diverse communities and refugees.
Governor Lomorukai appreciated the Deputy President for recognizing the county’s peace-building efforts. He used the opportunity to advocate for accelerated national support in developing key infrastructure projects, such as the Lomidat abattoir, Naurenpuu tannery, and other economically viable ventures.
“To unlock Turkana’s potential, we need major roads connecting Kenya with Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia,” the Governor said.
Noting that the problematic hill and gorge areas hampering transport in the Kenya-Ethiopia feeder route at Napak are complete, he urged the national government to consider new projects for the Kibish-Lokitaung-Lorgum-Moroto, Lodwar-Naoyapong, and the 11 kilometres Nadapal-Nakodok corridors.
Governor Lomorukai also called for increased employment opportunities for Turkana youth to omplement county-led initiatives.
The event was attended by a host of national and county leaders, including Turkana County Woman Representative Cecilia Asinyen Ng’itit, Members of Parliament Nicholas Nkolong (Turkana East), Emathe Namuar (Turkana Central), Dr. John Ariko Namoit (Turkana South), Protus Akuja (Loima), and Nabuin Ekuwom (Turkana North). County Assembly Speaker Christopher Nakuleu was also present.
Prominent leaders such as Lodepe Nakara, John Munyes, and Ekwee Ethuro joined the gathering alongside top county officials, including County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) and Chief Officers.
