Agriculture offices, June 18, 2025(Public Communications and Media Relations)
The incoming Chief Officer David Marka has taken over the Agriculture Department from the outgoing Chief Marian Lotieng, who moves to take charge of Administration and Disaster Management.
During the takeover event on Wednesday afternoon, Chief Lotieng asked Chief Maraka to put concerted effort in revamping and heavily investing in Morulem, Katilu and Kalemnyang irrigation schemes. She said the three are significant to making residents of Turkana food and nutrition secure.
Additionally, outgoing CCO told Chief Maraka to continue establishing a County Irrigation Development Unit (CIDU), key in developing and managing irrigation schemes across the County.
CIDU is a national government entity established by a county government to manage irrigation matters within its jurisdiction, according to the Irrigation Act 2019. These units are responsible for developing and managing irrigation schemes, promoting water user associations, and ensuring sustainable irrigation practices.
The outgoing Chief highlighted the three cash crops grown in the county. They are; groundnuts, sweet potatoes and the latest dragon fruit in Naoros, Kang’atotha Ward.
While acknowledging all the briefs presented to him, Chief Maraka stressed that is coming to the Department to provide leadership. He said, he wants to make use of the technical staff to better the Agriculture docket.
Presiding over the event, the Deputy County Secretary, Dr Albert Gamoe told the two CCOs to enhance teamwork in their working environment to promote success.
He said his office has open-door policy in case of any support and guidance in the course of the work.
DCS added that reshuffle is normal as well as part of a broader effort to enhance operational efficiency and instill greater accountability within county government.
County Directors Richard Lokoyan (Irrigation and Land Reclamation), Aaron Nanok (Agriculture) and Dorcas Ejore (Administration) together with other senior staff were present during the exercise.
