Turkana- April 29, 2025 – (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Government has conducted the 2025/2026 Budget Proposal public participation exercise in all 11 sub-counties in Turkana.
This is per the Kenyan Constitution of 2010, which recognises public participation as a fundamental principle of governance, enshrined in Article 10. The participants, including members of the general public and stakeholder representatives, will give their views on the Ksh17.1 billion budget proposals.
The Chief Officer of Economic Planning, Samwel Ekale, said that from the projects identified in the County Fiscal Strategic Paper 2025/2026, which also underwent public participation in February, the department aligned the resources with the impactful priorities by focusing on essential sectors like health, water, and food security.
“The department will also strengthen monitoring and evaluation frameworks, enforce accountability for the implementation of county departments and development partners,” he said.
He further added that public participation ensured that projects reflect community needs, enhances transparency, and builds public trust in government planning and implementation. In the various forums, the participants shared their views on various sectors. They majorly focused on water, early childhood development, food security, and peace-building initiatives, among others.
In Loima, Elder John Lobei from the Lobei/Kotaruk Ward commended the county government for listening to the voices of the people. “We are pleased to see that our priorities, especially regarding water services, have been taken into account. Access to clean water is fundamental for our community’s health and well-being,” he stated.
Religious leader Apostle Laurence Oso from Lorugum highlighted that education and agricultural projects were vital to the community and is grateful that they have been prioritised. While Mary Areng urged the government to allocate funds for Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs, as it built a solid foundation for learning.
Speaking in the Aroo Sub-County, Esther Lokidor, a 53-year-old businesswoman representing women from Katilu Ward, called for a focus on agricultural projects in her area. “The construction of feeder canals in all irrigation schemes should be prioritised to enhance food production.”
During the forum held in Lokitaung – Turkana North, Michael Echwa, a village elder from Karebur, cited the region’s proximity to Ethiopia and South Sudan and recent cross-border attacks as justification for a dedicated peace initiative. He noted that the county government had proposed an allocation of up to Ksh 85 million for peace initiatives and led residents in demanding that Turkana North be included under the program or receive a fresh allocation.
In addition to peace efforts, Peter Pulkol, a religious leader from the Lakezone area, welcomed the proposed Ksh 9 million allocation for fishing gear but called for an increase to fund engine-powered motorboats and more advanced equipment.
In Turkana West, as a resident of Letea centre, Elizabeth Lokwawi has hoped that the proposed budget would include the Kakuma-Letea Road. “When it rains, I cannot open my ‘mandazi’ business because customers stay at home. We get stranded. We cannot sell our charcoal in Kakuma or seek health services at the sub-county hospital,” said the 63-year-old.
Representing 856 registered persons living with disabilities (PWD), the chair of the Turkana West Sub-County PWD Board, Benard Kuya, said that the budget reflected the needs of the people.
“I hope the PWD allocation will get the policy in the county assembly approved, so that we gain access to the county resources meant to support more of our activities,” said the 27-year-old teacher.
In Turkana East, a 28-year-old Lokori resident, Akoki Samwuel, said, “I am happy most of our projects have been included in the next budget. We want the government to keep restocking livestock in Lokori and Lotiman, as our people are frequently attacked by rustlers. Restocking restores their livelihood.”
Echoing the same sentiment, Francis Ekai from Katilia says, “Restocking animals in Elelea, Kaibole, Lomunyenakwaan and Kidewa will enhance food security at the grassroots level while improving their economic status.”
