Lodwar, 2nd December 2025 (Governor’s Press Service)

Turkana Governor Dr. Jeremiah Lomorukai Napotikan today delivered his third State of the County Address, outlining the progress made by his administration over the past year.

The Governor addressed the County Assembly after Speaker Rt. Hon. Charles Lokioto confirmed that all legal and procedural requirements had been met before his appearance. In his opening remarks, Governor Lomorukai commended the Assembly for its cooperation, noting that their support had been instrumental in enabling the Executive to implement its development agenda.

He cited the timely passage of critical laws—including the Turkana Biashara Fund Act, the Finance Act and the 2025 Budget Appropriation Acts—as essential in strengthening public finance management and improving the county’s ability to allocate resources effectively.

On water, the Governor highlighted notable milestones such as the installation of a Reverse Osmosis plant at Kaituko and the expansion of supply systems in Kalokol and within Lodwar Municipality. He expressed optimism for further gains under the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project, which is expected to inject KSh 600 million into the rehabilitation and expansion of water infrastructure at more than 11 sites. He also applauded the Kenya National Highways Authority for drilling new boreholes that have boosted access to clean water for several communities.

Addressing agriculture and food security, Governor Lomorukai cited the Katilu Irrigation Scheme as a model of strategic investment that has turned farming into a reliable income stream for local households. He noted that mechanisation, increased acreage under irrigation, desilting of canals and the establishment of seed banks had revitalised crop production and enhanced food availability across the county.

The Governor also underscored the importance of the livestock sector, pointing to mass vaccinations, improved disease surveillance and restocking for drought-affected families as interventions that helped protect the pastoral economy. In the fisheries sector, he said that the distribution of motorised boats and modern fishing gear had enabled fisherfolk—especially those recovering from insecurity and climate-related shocks—to restore their livelihoods.

On peace and security, Governor Lomorukai highlighted the county’s efforts to resettle families displaced by conflict. He referenced the Napeitom Integrated Project in Suguta Sub-County as a major intervention that provided housing and essential services to affected households. Similar programmes, he said, had benefited communities in Nadome, Todonyang, Namoruarengan and Kapetadie, where the county continues to rebuild homes and support families returning to normal life.

Turning to health, the Governor reported that the sector had recorded improved service delivery through increased staffing, the opening and rehabilitation of facilities, deployment of ambulances and a more consistent supply of medicines and medical equipment. He added that services were steadily moving closer to communities as a result of these investments.

In education, the Governor noted that ongoing reforms had led to higher enrolment and better retention in ECDE centres. He attributed this progress to improved teacher welfare through promotions, recruitment, infrastructure development and renovation of learning facilities.

The Governor further reported that both Lodwar and Kakuma had now achieved municipality status, providing a platform for improved urban planning. He cited town development initiatives in Lokichar, Lowarengak and Kalokol as contributing to higher revenue collection and preservation of cultural heritage.

Other achievements highlighted included the recruitment and promotion of staff, drought response efforts that reached more than 600,000 residents, branding of village administrators with new uniforms, improvements in road coverage through 14 projects spanning more than 100 kilometres, climate actions that have seen the planting of more than three million trees, execution of FLLoCA projects, and the expansion of internship opportunities for young people.

Governor Lomorukai closed his address by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to deepening development across all sectors through continued collaboration with the County Assembly, national government agencies, development partners and local communities.

The event was attended by County Secretary Dr. Richard Ekai, County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers, advisors in the Office of the Governor and directors from various departments.