Lorgum, 14th November 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government of Turkana has commenced a public sensitization drive to prepare communities for the planned upgrade of all areas earmarked for urban status in the coming years.

The exercise kicked off in Lorgum, where a team led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Areas Management engaged residents on the potential of their area and ongoing plans to systematically elevate it to an urban centre.

As part of the initiative, more than 300 trees were planted at Lorgum Centre, Lugogo and Kospir primary schools, and the Lorgum Technical Training Institute.

“This is an initiative we are jointly undertaking with the State Department of Public Works, with support from the World Bank. It is part of our efforts to ensure that areas qualifying for urban status realize planned and sustainable development moving forward,” the CECM said.

Turkana County has identified eleven locations that meet the criteria for urban area designation, including Lorgum, Lokichar, Lokori, Lokitaung and other sub-county headquarters.

The CECM called on residents, particularly the youth—to embrace tree planting and take an active role in discussions aimed at improving the livability of emerging centres and towns.

Chief Officers Peter Lomorukai (Urban Areas Management) and Leah Losiru (Lands and Physical Planning) accompanied the CECM during the exercise, which was hosted by Loima Sub-County Administrator, Jackson Apenyu.

Also present were the Director for Urban Areas and staff drawn from various county departments.