Lodwar, 5th February 2025 (Governor’s Press Service)– Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has assured the business community in Turkana of his administration’s commitment to supporting business growth by addressing challenges and creating an enabling environment.
Speaking today during a business forum held at the Lodwar Vocational Training Centre, the Governor pledged to pay contractors on time and settle pending bills.
“We will not fail to pay any contract during my tenure. We are facing delays in disbursements from the National Treasury, but once funds are received, we will clear pending payments,” he said.
The forum brought together the business community in a meeting with representatives of entities involved in the business, including the national and county governments, KRA, and Kenya Power. Government officials and heads of the different entities addressed concerns raised by members of the business community.
Governor Lomorukai outlined ongoing projects to address water shortages in Lodwar and announced plans to solarise major water systems to resolve power-related disruptions. He also revealed an upcoming overhaul of waste management services in Lodwar Municipality, alongside a thorough cleaning exercise which he will lead.
The Governor encouraged business owners to participate in the legislative process of the Finance Bill to ensure their views are considered in setting charges, fees and rates. He also called for commitment in repaying various county-issued loans to keep the revolving fund operational for other traders.
County Executive for Finance Dr Michael Eregae assured that the County Treasury is processing payments and attributed delays to slow disbursement by the National Treasury. County Commissioner Julius Kavita announced national government plans to establish markets across the county.
Kenya Power Operations Manager Silas Panyako said the company was working to resolve power outages in Lodwar by Sunday. KRA Lodwar Manager Samuel Makokha said the authority will offer training on tax filing, tax compliance and amnesty.
KNCCI-Turkana Chairman Justus Emoni urged the County Government to ensure timely payment of tenders and pending bills to support economic growth. He called for business-friendly revenue collection measures and prioritised loans for business owners who understand loan repayment schemes.
County Assembly Trade Committee Chairperson Michael Ewoi encouraged businesses to take advantage of county loan schemes, including the Biashara Fund, and to actively participate in public forums on the Finance Act, which sets fees, charges, and levies.
Business community members raised concerns about the need for industrial parks and zones for investors, better waste management to prevent the resale of contaminated bottles, improved security for transporters at night, and a digital platform for business services. Other concerns included rising street children numbers, power outages affecting businesses, and limited access to credit.
Senior county officials present at the forum included County Executives Dr Joseph Epem (Health) and Roseline Aite (Trade), Chief Officers Pauline Tang’arae (Trade), Simon Etom (Water Services), and Peter Lomorukai (Municipalities and Urban Areas Management), Lodwar Municipality Manager Benjamin Tukei, and TUWASCO Acting Managing Director Benedict Ekeru.
