Lodwar, 28th March 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Lodwar Municipality has embarked on the second phase of its beautification program, with a key highlight being the installation of a monument of the famed Turkana Boy at the Land’s Roundabout.
The initiative, part of the town’s urban transformation agenda, aims to enhance aesthetics, boost tourism, and reinforce Lodwar’s local and international identity as a historical and cultural hub.
The site for the works has already been identified and was officially handed over to the contractor by a joint team from Public Works, the Municipality Administration, and Lands.
The team was led by Public Works Engineer Ignatius Kopeto, Project Officer Amos Lokalale, Municipality Deputy Manager Hon. Simon Nangiro, and Assistant Director for Urban Areas Management David Edoket.
Hon. Nangiro emphasized that the beautification project aligns with the county’s vision for urban development.
“We are committed to ensuring that this process is carried out smoothly, with proper documentation and adherence to the project scope and timelines,” he stated.
Hon. Nangiro further urged the contractor to complete the project within the stipulated three-month period to ensure timely benefits for the residents of Lodwar.
According to Engineer Kopeto, the vision behind the project was a very transformative way of utilizing space to create attractive landmarks and vibrant murals in the Municipality area.
On his part, the Assistant Director for Urban Areas David Edoket explained that the vision was to create a monument that will also play a role in promoting tourism, and announcing Turkana to the world as the cradle of mankind owing to the linkages with the famous Turkana Boy.
The Turkana Boy, a nearly complete 1.6-million-year-old hominid skeleton discovered in Nariokotome, remains one of the most significant archaeological findings globally, placing Turkana at the center of human evolutionary studies.
By installing the monument at a strategic roundabout that connects key roads within Lodwar, the municipality aims to create a lasting cultural landmark that will be seen by all who pass through the town.
Additionally, Lodwar will join the long list of Municipalities and cities both locally and internationally that have erected iconic monuments serving the purpose of identifying the locations.
Present during the site handover were Fred Akila, the senior procurement officer, Deputy Director for Lands Esther Lokitoe, officers from the Public Works, and the contractor.
