Lodwar, January 31, 2024 (Governor’s Press Service) – Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai today hosted U.S Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman at the County Government headquarters in Lodwar. They discussed the ongoing partnership between the US and Turkana, focusing on the Governor’s Nine-Point Development Agenda.
Governor Lomorukai highlighted key areas for US support, including water, healthcare, food security, cross-border peace, and refugee integration. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to creating an attractive investment environment for Turkana, acknowledging that the growth of the county’s potential requires collaboration.
“We have established a welcoming environment for investors to work alongside government efforts, especially in water and food security,” Governor Lomorukai said.
The Governor emphasized the need for partnership in investing in pasture production to protect the livestock sector during droughts. He also highlighted Turkana’s untapped potential in livestock production and requested support for value addition initiatives, such as reviving the Lomidat Abbatoir and establishing a tannery.
Governor Lomorukai further urged for technological assistance in addressing salinity in groundwater sources, which would alleviate water shortages and support crop production.
He called for investment in cross-border infrastructure to end resource conflict and promote trade.
He expressed gratitude for USAID’s long-term support in Turkana and requested additional resources to address the challenges arising from the increasing refugee population in Turkana West.
Ambassador Whitman commended the “productive and mutual” collaboration with Turkana and acknowledged the US Embassy’s interest in supporting mineral exploration in the county. She expressed willingness to advocate for investors interested in Turkana and lauded the successful rollout of the USAID-supported One Health program (Kimormor).
Senior County Government officials, including County Secretary Peter Eripete, County Executives James Wangiros (Public Service) and Faith Aletea (Water Services), Deputy County Secretary Dr Albert Gamoe and Chief Officer for Tourism Simon Etom.
Others were Advisors Malachy Ekal (Political), Ekiru Tulele (Legal) and Amb. Richard Ekai (Economic); Directors Ekai Nabenyo (Legal Affairs), Francis Lokwar (Economic Planning) and Mark Amiyo (Social Protection).
