Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has said that his administration will increase budgetary allocation in the next financial year to fund mega-projects, key among them those promoting food security.
The Governor said the move will increase food production through investing in modern innovative technology as part of journey to move away from the dependency on relief food, to a more sustainable crop production measure.
The County boss was speaking during family day celebrations and funds-drive for the four out-stations of Nakwamoru Catholic Parish.
He assured that the Government was committed to strengthening agricultural production through its annual budget and through partnership with other stakeholders.
He assured residents that part of his administration agenda was supporting the Church agenda on spiritual nourishment and development noting that it’s only through God’s grace that people in volatile areas of Turkana were enjoying peace.
He said his development agenda was to boost water supply to residents and better access to affordable healthcare.
The governor said plans to work with the County Assembly to develop a bill to compensate pastoralists who lose their livestock during drought seasons were underway.
On rampant banditry attacks, the Governor said that Turkana leaders had agreed on model of recruitment for National Police Reservists. He insisted that recruitment exercise for NPRs will be transparent and inclusive and will be done publicly.
The County boss called for unity among leaders maintaining that more development will be achieved when they work together. He lauded MCAs for approving the executives out of merit, political leaning in the last general elections notwithstanding.
Governor Lomorukai later distributed 300 bundles of flour that had been donated by County Pension Fund (CPF).
Turkana South MP Ariko Namoit called on elected leaders to emulate Governor Lomorukai’s style of working with all leaders and revealed that Turkana legislators had lobbied for additional NPR during their recent meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Interior.
Elected leaders who spoke included MCAs Michael Aemun (Kaputir), Etubon Samal (Katilu), and Samuel Lomodo (Lokichar).
County Executives who accompanied the Governor include Wangiro James (Public Service, Administration and Disaster Management); David Erukudi (Agriculture, Pastoral Economy and Fisheries); Peter Akono (Lands, Housing and Urban Areas Management) and Leah Audan Lokaala (Education, Sports and Social Protection).
Others were Dr. Michael Eregae (Finance and Economic Planning); Faith Aletia (Water Services) and Elizabeth Loote (Trade, Gender and Youth Affairs).
By Peter Gitonga
