Damien Ewalan, a resident from Kerio Delta Ward with hearing impairment, won in the just-concluded first-ever countywide security warden recruitment exercise held at the Ekaales Center. Damien won the 5km race in his ward category, proving every interviewee had an equal chance.
The Turkana Public Service Board, with support from the Department of Public Service Administration and Disaster Management, National Police Service, Department of Health, Department of Water, and Namo Hospital, rolled out this 5km run to test 337 candidates from across the county. This open exercise gave participants, including those with disabilities, a fair shot at selection.
While flagging off the ceremony in the company of Board members and the Board Secretary, Dr. Pauline Akiru Ekod, Acting Chairperson of the Turkana Public Service Board, explained that the exercise was designed to open doors for all, no matter their background or challenges, and to find the most fit for the position.
“This open exercise shows we’re serious about fairness and transparency,” Dr. Pauline Akiru Ekod said. “From diaspora runners to those with disabilities, we’re giving everyone a shot to build the best security team with the most physically fit—our wardens’ job demands fitness, so that’s what we looked for most.”
The exercise drew a wide pool, including a diaspora race for Turkana’s minority groups and candidates from every ward. From 337 invited candidates, 317 turned up, and the Turkana Public Service Board selected the two best performers per ward—one male and one female—to ensure inclusivity in the security team.
Joyce Adonga Ejikon from Kalobeyei Ward, who also shone in her category, shared her take on the exercise. “I’m impressed by how open and fair it was—everyone got a real chance to show what they can do,” she said. “This makes a stronger step for the youth of Turkana.”
With the 5km run complete, the Turkana Public Service Board will now convene to review the results and issue directives for the next phase. Out of 337 invited candidates for interviews, 317 showed up, and the Board has shortlisted and is considering 62—33 more than the previously advertised 29—given their exemplary performance, with the way forward to be shared after further review in the coming days. This decisive process will confirm the wardens’ selection.
Board members present included Dr. Major (Rtd.) Daniel Nawose Ingolan, Vonwilly Etiir Nalengo, Erastus Ekidor Ngala, Bartoo Jelagat Francisca (Board Secretary), Joseph Ngatotin (Assistant Director, Human Resource Management), and from the Department of Public Service Administration and Disaster Management: David Maraka (Chief Officer), Julius Lokaale (Director, Inspectorate), Chris Losiru (Deputy Director, Inspectorate), Rael Arot (Assistant Director), and Thompson Ekai (Assistant Director), alongside the Turkana County OCS and his team.
