Lodwar, May 23, 2025 (Governor’s Press Service)– Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai today presided over the swearing-in of Ambassador Dr. Richard Titus Ekai as the new County Secretary and Peter Ekunyuk Ingolan as Chairperson of the Turkana County Public Service Board, at a ceremony held at the County Headquarters in Lodwar.
The Governor hailed the appointments of the two as a bold step in reforming the County Government’s leadership structure and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and results-driven service.
He pointed that Dr. Richard was a decorated diplomat, a policy expert, and a scholar whose record of leadership and reform at national and international levels was impeccable.
“As County Secretary, his strategic oversight will ensure our government operates with professionalism, precision, and people-centred policies.”
The new office bearer previously served as Kenya’s Ambassador to Thailand and as Principal Secretary in several State Departments as well as Governor’s advisor on Economic affairs.
“In his capacity as the advisor in my office, Dr. Ekai contributed to policy planning and cross-border engagements with Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. His work positioned Turkana for stronger regional cooperation,” the Governor said.
Governor Lomorukai emphasised the County Public Service Board’s critical role in shaping a merit-based, ethical, and responsive public workforce.
Having served in the education and NGO sectors, I am convinced that Peter Ingollan Ekunyuk brings a legacy of peacebuilding and community mobilisation. His new role demands not just administrative foresight but moral clarity. He is not here to preserve systems, but to transform them,” the Governor said.
Governor Lomorukai reminded the new officials that their appointments came with a mandate to elevate public service standards and deliver on the expectations of the people.
“You were chosen not merely to fill gaps, but to inspire change. The people of Turkana are watching and waiting for results,” he stated.
Members of the County Assembly present at the ceremony echoed the Governor’s sentiments. Katilu MCA Samal Etubon, who also serves on the County Assembly’s Appointments Committee, praised the vetting process that led to the appointments, describing both individuals as “fully qualified and convincing.”
Etubon further called on the appointees to prioritise automation of the County’s human resource systems, to streamline internal processes such as staff promotions and payroll management.
His remarks were echoed by fellow MCAs Dedan Kalimapus (Nakalale), Matthew Alany (Kang’atotha), and Abdifatah Kapua (Kaaleng/Kaikor), who urged the new leadership to make public service more efficient and transparent.
Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner Siele Kipngeno noted that both the national and county governments have a shared responsibility to serve the public.
He credited Mr. Ingolan for fostering collaboration during his tenure with the USAID-funded NAWIRI program, where he helped harmonise efforts between various administrative units.
Deputy County Secretaries Joseph Nyanga (Administration) and Dr. Albert Gamoe (Cabinet Affairs), County Executives Benson Lokwang (Roads), Leah Audan Lokaala (Environment and Natural Resources), and Roseline Aite (Trade and Tourism), along with Chief Officers Moses Korea, Dr Gilchrist Lokoel and John Korikel Ayangan, attended the event.
Other senior government officials present included members of the County Public Service Board: Daniel Ingollan, Peter Ngala, and Edward Losinyono. Board Secretary and CEO CHRP Francisca Bartoo. Also present WAS Legal Advisor Ekiru Ntulele among other officials.
