Lokitaung, June 1, 2026 (Governor’s Press Service) — Governor Dr. Jeremiah Lomorukai has hailed the decision to hold Turkana’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Lokitaung for the first time, describing it as historic and symbolic given the town’s central role in Kenya’s struggle for independence.
Speaking during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations at Lokitaung Stadium, the Governor said the event marks the beginning of a deliberate County Government strategy to rotate national and county celebrations across Turkana in order to enhance inclusion and bring services closer to the people.
Governor Lomorukai noted that Lokitaung holds a special place in Kenya’s history as the detention site of Kenya’s founding father Jomo Kenyatta and fellow freedom fighters Paul Ngei, Fred Kubai, Kungu Karumba, and Bildad Kaggia during the struggle for self-rule.
The Governor used the occasion to highlight key development projects implemented across Turkana North and Kibish sub counties under his administration.
In the water sector, he cited the KSh 137 million Emlano–Engomo–Lowarengak Water Supply Project in Lake Zone Ward, the KSh 27 million Koribok–Nakalale Water Supply Project, the KSh 11 million Maisa–Liwan Water Project in Lapur Ward, and the KSh 8 million Kachoda Water Project, alongside several borehole drilling, solarisation, and water reticulation initiatives across Kibish, Kaeris, Nakalale, Kaaleng/Kaikor, and Lake Zone wards.
On food security, the Governor highlighted investments in livestock markets in Lokitaung, Kibish, and Naduat, irrigation projects in Kachoda, Kopeto, Kajukjuk, and Nadunga, as well as a KSh 10 million fisheries support programme that provided boats, fishing equipment, and fish handling facilities to communities along Lake Turkana.
In the health sector, he noted investments in the construction and upgrading of health facilities, including the mortuary block and ablution facilities at Lokitaung Sub-County Hospital, maternity wings at Kachoda, Loruth, and Kaaleng dispensaries, and new dispensaries in Kaeris, Nakalale, and Lake Zone wards.
The Governor also highlighted investments in roads, education, trade, and renewable energy, including the KSh 88 million Napak rigid pavement project in Kibish Ward, construction of classrooms at Matankorio ECDE Centre, support to local cooperatives, establishment of fresh produce and cross-border markets, and installation of solar lighting in schools and health facilities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating development in Turkana North and across the county, saying ongoing investments are improving access to water, healthcare, education, food security, and economic opportunities.
Governor Lomorukai called on residents to continue supporting peace, unity, and development, noting that sustainable transformation of Turkana requires collective effort from government, communities, and development partners.
County Commissioner Julius Kavita announced plans to split Turkana North into two sub-counties, noting that the move could pave the way for the creation of an additional constituency.
He also acknowledged concerns over the poor condition of road networks in the sub-county and said relevant agencies would be engaged to address the situation.
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus said the County Government remains focused on implementing development projects and strengthening collaboration and strategic partnerships, noting that the agenda was yielding tangible results.The Governor made a stopover in Kachoda where he briefly addressed residents.
He was accompanied by Woman Representative Cecilia Ng’itit, Turkana East MP Nicholas Ng’ikor, Speaker Charles Lokiyoto, Special Peace Envoy for the Ateker Region John Munyes, former Turkana Central MP John Lodepe, and Members of the County Assembly.
Senior County Government officials led by Deputy County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a also attended the event.
