Turkana: County Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has announced a strategic initiative by the County Government to distribute emergency relief food to 77,000 households grappling with food scarcity across Turkana. This effort is part of an extensive relief response scheduled to conclude in January, aimed at alleviating the ongoing food crisis.
According to Kenya News Agency, the relief initiative will see the distribution of 3,850 metric tonnes of maize and 194 metric tonnes of cooking oil to affected families. Governor Lomorukai made this announcement during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Lokirama Peace Accord Commemoration Centre in Lokiriama Sub-county. The program will prioritize the most affected wards, including Nanam, Lokichoggio, and Song’ot in Lokichoggio Sub-County; Kibish, Lakezone, and Lapur in Turkana North; Kalapata in Turkana South; and Kerio Ward in Turkana Central.
Governor Lomorukai, joined by First Lady Lilian Ekamais, highlighted the integration of Social Health Authority (SHA) registration within the relief distribution process. This approach aims to tackle the county’s low registration levels. He expressed gratitude towards President Museveni’s government for its cooperation and hospitality towards the pastoralist communities in the Ateker region, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders in enhancing peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
The Governor emphasized collaboration with over 40 Members of the County Assembly, focusing on addressing the pressing issues of the electorate. Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus echoed the call for public support and reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to ongoing developmental projects.
Meanwhile, County Commissioner Julius Kavita refuted allegations concerning fatalities due to hunger, assuring the public that the County had received augmented relief food supplies from the National Government. County Assembly Speaker Charles Lokiyoto praised the advancements made in peacebuilding through cooperative efforts between Kenyan leaders and neighboring nations.
Ateker Peace Envoy John Munyes urged for unity among the Ateker communities, highlighting the critical role of peaceful coexistence in overcoming the region’s persistent challenges, particularly drought. Dr. David Pulkol, a Principal Advisor in Uganda’s Office of the President, mentioned the completion of a draft Resource Sharing Agreement. This agreement covers grazing areas, water points, and other shared natural resources between Ugandan and Turkana pastoralists, pending approval from both Kenyan and Ugandan authorities.
The event saw the presence of senior County Government officials, including County Secretary Dr. Richard Ekai; Deputy County Secretaries Joseph Nyang’a and Dr. Albert Gamoe; and County Executive Members Dr. Michael Eregae (Agriculture), Roseline Aite (Finance), and James Wangiros (Tourism).
