Lodwar, December 16th 2025 (Governor’s Press Service)

Governor Dr. Jeremiah Lomorukai Napotikan has reaffirmed his commitment to serving the residents of Turkana, saying service delivery remains his top priority despite political distractions.

In his speech as the county marked day two of the 9th Tobongulore Cultural Festival, the County boss noted that the welfare and needs of the Turkana people must take precedence over political interests, calling on leaders to work together in addressing shared challenges as earlier directed by the president during the ceremony’s opening.

“The lives and needs of our people are bigger than politics. Even when the President was here, he emphasized the need for leaders to unite,” Dr. Lomorukai said.

Citing recent gains in cross-border peace and improving relations between Turkana communities and neighbouring countries were the result of sustained unity among leaders, the Governor added that Turkana would make great strides if leaders unite to drive forward the agenda of development.

The Governor also welcomed development commitments announced by the President during the festival’s grand opening, saying they reflected continued national government support for Turkana.

“We want to sincerely appreciate the president. As a county, we will work closely with the national government to ensure development reaches our people across all sectors,” he said.

Addressing the climate change–induced drought currently affecting the region, the Governor confirmed that a countywide food distribution program is set to roll out.

He announced that border communities from neighbouring countries would also benefit from the intervention in the spirit of unity envisioned in Ateker culture.

“Our borders cut across the Ateker community. In the spirit of sharing that defines our culture, the border communities will also be included in this exercise,” he said.

The Governor further said the ongoing Kimormor initiative, an integrated outreach program delivering essential services directly to pastoralist communities, would extend to border areas.

The Governor also directed all county departments to compile and submit lists of development projects implemented over the last two years, noting that the county plans to officially launch completed initiatives in the coming year.

“These projects directly touch on the livelihoods of our people. All leaders will be invited to participate as we account for progress made,” he said.

On his part, Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus said Turkana County continues to attract investor interest, attributing this to deliberate efforts to strengthen partnerships and accountability by the Governor.

“The Governor is keen on partnerships, and my office exists to facilitate that vision. The county has also committed matching funds to donor-supported programs to ensure sustainable impact,” Dr. Erus said.

Kanamkemer MCA James Ikeny reported that the local community, which previously donated land for the establishment of the Ekalees Cultural Centre, was willing to provide additional land for a proposed stadium, to which the president had pledged to pump in ksh 900 million.

Meanwhile, Turkana East MP Nicholas Ng’ikor cited the formation of the Ateker Leaders’ Council as a major boost to cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation, and proposed that planning of future editions of the Tobongulore’ to accommodate the broader Ateker community.

The event was also attended and addressed by members of the council of elders, leaders from the Ateker communities from Uganda, the clergy, local and national leaders amid performances from various cultural groups.