Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has pledged to work with President William Ruto to develop Turkana County. Speaking in Nameyana, Turkwel Ward today, the Governor said his decision to collaborate with the president was a no-brainer, as Turkana’s development needs require the collaboration of both levels of government. Governor Lomorukai assured residents that Turkana leaders had secured a commitment for major national government projects and were engaging government departments on development with the president’s blessing. ‘Following our engagements with the president, we have received resources for Lake Turkana’s blue economy and water projects. We have held meetings with national ministries following up on projects for our people,’ he said. He said the leaders were pursuing the interests of Turkana residents and had no time for selfish interests. The Governor led a team of leaders and senior county officials for fundraising in support of the Nameyana Neema Women Group. He also stated that his administration was keen to entrench accountability in managing public resources as part of the governance reforms he promised Turkana residents. He said the County Government was focused on avoiding audits by ensuring funds allocated for development projects were not misappropriated. ‘Accountability is critical. We must account for resources spent to avoid cases which made senators declare Turkana a scene of crime,’ he said. The Governor commended Turkana leaders for earning recognition nationally in performance, including Woman Representative Cecilia Ng’itit who was recently rated as the best performing representative in Kenya. Governor Lomorukai also reiterated his commitment to the peaceful coexistence of communities along the border with West Pokot and Baringo in the spirit of national cohesion. He condemned leaders from neighbouring countries inciting violence for political gain. Loima MP Protus Akuja asked residents to take advantage of the national identity card registration exercise set to begin mid-this month to register en masse. Leader of Majority Stephen Edukon advised residents to take advantage of government programs focused on community empowerment. Senior County Government officials present were County Executives Dr Michael Eregae (Finance) and James Wangiros (Public Service); Chief Officers Janerose Tioko (Agriculture) and Etelej Korea (ECDE), Mark Achila (Roads) as well as Lodwar Municipality Manager Benjamin Tukei.

Source: Kenya News Agency