Lodwar, May 16, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

After engaging the county top leadership, the Presidential Taskforce on the Kenya Home of Human Origins Museum and Science Park shifted focus to the County Directorate of Tourism to work out modalities for administering tools for collecting vital data in Turkana.

The session, held in Lodwar, was led by County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Youth Affairs and Tourism, Roseline Aite, who reaffirmed the County Government’s support for the national initiative aimed at establishing a globally significant museum and science park in the Turkana Lake Turkana Basin.

“The Governor has fully endorsed this initiative. The department is committed to working closely with the Presidential Taskforce to ensure that community voices are well represented in the process and that Turkana people benefit from the project,” Aite stated.

The meeting followed a high-level consultation with the Governor the previous day, where the County pledged support for the project that will showcase the region’s historical importance as the cradle of mankind. It will also enhance cultural and eco-tourism in the region.

The Taskforce team introduced a Key Informant Interview Guide and pre-tested it with county officials to gauge its effectiveness in capturing locally relevant data for the feasibility study.

Lawrence Muthamia, leading the Taskforce team, emphasized the importance of credible, locally-informed insights.

“By piloting the questionnaire with key departments, we are laying a strong foundation for a well-informed and inclusive museum design that aligns with local aspirations,” he said.

According to the Taskforce, the 14-day tour of Turkana will involve public participation forums, stakeholder consultations, and mapping of heritage sites.

Data collected will inform a comprehensive investment plan and be presented to President William Ruto upon completion.

Also present at the engagement were Taskforce members Vincent Bwire and Charity Njuguna, along with County Chief Officers Cecilia Majuma (Tourism) and Pauline Tangarae (Trade), and several County Directors.

The County Government views the museum project as a key opportunity to open up Turkana to global tourism, attract investment, and preserve the region’s unique archaeological heritage.