Lokichar – August 26th, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Public participation forums on the 2026–2027 Annual Development Plan (ADP) have kicked off across Turkana, with Turkana South Sub-county residents prioritizing investment in water and health.

During a joint meeting in Lokichar that brought together community representatives from Lokichar and Kalapata Wards, residents identified new borehole drilling sites at Ngaladei and Lomunyenkuparat as urgent projects to increase water access.

Davidson Lokaalei, a resident of Lokichar and member of the Lokichar Students Association, said that past interventions had not adequately addressed water scarcity.

“Both Lokichar and Kalapata share one common problem—limited access to clean and safe water. The situation has affected schools, households, and even the movement of pastoralists. We will vote for increased investment in water any day,” he said.

In addition, residents called for the fencing of existing Early Childhood Development Education centres, upgrading of the area administrator’s offices, equipping Lokichar Sub-County Hospital, and strengthening disaster preparedness.

James Eloto, another participant, highlighted the risks communities face from recurrent natural disasters.

“Every year, we witness droughts and floods alternating in quick succession, destroying livelihoods. We want the county to enhance disaster mitigation and response,” he said.

Responding to the submissions, Deputy Directors Mike Aupe (Resource Mobilization) and Hellen Nakaru (Revenue) assured residents that their proposals would be documented and considered in the final ADP draft.

The ADP process, anchored in the Constitution, ensures citizen voices are incorporated into county planning.

Officials present at the Lokichar meeting included Turkana South Sub-County Administrator Simon Koloi, Deputy Sub-county Administrator Peter Chichi, Ward Administrators Festus Lokucha (Lokichar) and Macklewis Ewoi (Kalapata), Economist Maurice Natoot and HR Officer Monah Ateyo.