Lorugum, October 26, 2025 (Governor’s Press Service)
Churches in Turkana have been encouraged to venture into income-generating activities to strengthen their financial capacity, enhance self-reliance, and support community development initiatives.
Governor Dr. Jeremiah Lomorukai Napotikan made the appeal on Sunday while addressing congregants at Lorugum PAG Church, where he joined worshippers for the launch of the church choir’s debut music album.
He was accompanied by First Lady Lilian Ekamais, Turkana East MP Nicholas Nkolong, and County Woman Representative Cecilia Ngitit.
The Governor noted that faith-based institutions have the potential to establish projects that can generate income and create employment opportunities for local communities, thereby contributing to the county’s economic growth.
“Even as we stand with the church through fundraisers and in support of the choir’s music launch, I urge church leaders to explore sustainable, income-generating ventures that can provide long-term benefits,” said Dr. Lomorukai.
He commended churches across the country that have successfully invested in such initiatives, urging local congregations in Turkana to emulate those models.
The Governor further lauded the role of churches in supporting Turkana communities over the decades, emphasizing that faith-based institutions were at the forefront of service delivery long before government structures were established in the region.
“We must stand with the church because it has always stood with us. As County Government, we will continue supporting the improvement of church facilities, including fencing and infrastructure development,” he affirmed.
Wilson Tioko, a member and official of the Upendo Choir, said the idea to produce their debut album “Tolim Yesu” was inspired by their experience at the Tobong’u Lore Cultural Festival, where they observed other choirs performing recorded gospel music.
“When we ministered at Tobong’u Lore, we realized other choirs had recorded albums while we hadn’t. That inspired us to produce our first project,” Tioko explained.
The Upendo Choir has since announced plans to release additional volumes in the future.Senior County Government officials, led by CECM for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries Dr. Michael Eregae, joined the Governor at the event.
Dr. Eregae acknowledged the church’s long-standing contribution to social and economic transformation in Turkana, particularly in education, health, and the pastoral economy.
Other officials present included Chief Officers Robert Lotaruk (Finance), Dominic Emase (Office of the County Secretary), Peter Lomorukai (Urban Areas Management), Leah Losiru (Lands and Physical Planning), Robert Loyelei (Vocational Training), Paul Lodunga (ECDE and Social Protection), and Moses Korea (Office of the Governor), alongside several county directors and staff.
