Loropio, May 23, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has called on the youth of Turkana to take an active role in promoting the region’s rich cultural and tourism potential.

Speaking at the opening of the 6th National Youth Workshop on Culture and Heritage, held at the Loropio Start Up Lions ICT Campus, Dr. Erus emphasized the importance of youth participation as ambassadors of Turkana’s heritage.

Dr. Erus highlighted the county’s commitment to fostering tourism through an annual calendar of events designed to showcase Turkana’s cultural wealth.

“Every year we host the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, also called Tobong’ulore, the Lokiriama Peace Accord, and the Ata Nayece festivals. You can seize the opportunity to invite participants or contribute by taking part in such events,” he stated.

The Deputy Governor further encouraged the youth to engage in heritage conservation, emphasizing the need for developing a sense of responsibility and stewardship over Turkana’s abundant cultural assets.

“In the implementation of H.E. Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai’s agenda for strengthening Turkana cultural heritage, Turkana County Government in partnership with UNESCO will document edon’ga through the Intangible Cultural Heritage Commitee will document Edon’gaa as one of the intangible cultural heritage assets”, stated Dr Erus.

The documentation of Edong’aa as a cultural asset will be facilitated by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee, a body whose work safeguards intangible cultural heritage such as dances.

The five-day workshop offers youth participants a comprehensive knowledge exchange program, facilitated by UNESCO, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KFRI).

The program includes lectures and discussions aimed at enhancing the participants’ understanding and appreciation of their cultural heritage.

Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the Turkana Boy archaeological site, providing a unique learning experience in human history and evolution. A possible visit to the Lake Turkana Central Island is also on the agenda.

Archaeological experts underscore Turkana’s significance as the cradle of mankind, citing evidence pointing to the earliest human existence at Nariokotome in Turkana North.

The DG was accompanied by Audan Leah Lokaala (CECM, Tourism) Cecilia Majuma (CCO, Tourism) and Boniface Korobe (Director, Culture Heritage and Arts).