Lokichar: Public participation forums on the Turkana County 2026-2027 Annual Development Plan (ADP) have kicked off across the County, with Turkana South Sub-County residents prioritizing investment in water and health.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a joint meeting in Lokichar Sub County that brought together community representatives from Lokichar and Kalapata Wards, residents identified new borehole drilling sites at Ngaladei and Lomunyenkuparat as urgent projects to increase water access. Davidson Lokaalei, a resident of Lokichar and member of the Lokichar Students Association, emphasized that past interventions had not adequately addressed water scarcity, affecting schools, households, and even the movement of pastoralists. He stated the community's commitment to voting for increased investment in water resources.
In addition to water concerns, residents called for improvements in other areas, including the fencing of existing Early Childhood Development Education centres, upgrading of the area administrator's offices, equipping Lokichar Sub-County Hospital, and strengthening disaster preparedness. James Eloto, another participant, highlighted the risks communities face from recurrent natural disasters, such as droughts and floods, and urged the county to enhance disaster mitigation and response efforts.
Responding to the submissions, Deputy Directors Mike Aupe (Resource Mobilization) and Hellen Nakaru (Revenue) assured residents that their proposals would be documented and considered in the final ADP draft. The ADP process, anchored in the constitution, ensures citizen voices are incorporated into county planning.
Officials present at the Lokichar meeting included Turkana South Sub-County Administrator Simon Koloi, Deputy Sub-County Administrator Peter Chichi, Ward Administrators Festus Lokucha (Lokichar) and Macklewis Ewoi (Kalapata), Economist Maurice Natoot, and Human Resource Officer Monah Ateyo.