Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has chided politicians interfering with the distribution of the County Skills Development fund.
“The County bursary funds have an act that guides its distribution. The Skills Development Fund Act will be followed to the letter and the leadership of the County Assembly, including the minority and majority leaders are aware,” the Governor said.
Turkana County Government has allocated Sh372.7million to the Skills Development Fund and targets over 20,000 needy students as beneficiaries.
Speaking yesterday at the PAG Church Kalemnyang after the Sunday service, Lomorukai promised to pay back to wananchi for the overwhelming votes and trust placed on him by maintaining transparency and better accountability in the governance of the county affairs.
The Governor commended MCAs who have agreed to work with him on a bipartisan basis. He informed residents of discussions with Members of the County Assembly to amend the Skills Development Fund and increase allocation, to accommodate the huge demand for school fees from needy students.
Lomorukai later addressed a public baraza in the area where he stated that his leadership will not be an exercise of empty power, but focused on development with equal representation of people from every corner of Turkana.
He shared his ambitious plan to address water challenges in most parts of the county, starting with Lodwar Municipality and its environs, and progress to other regions of the county.
Lomorukai said areas hit hard by drought like Turkana East had been prioritized in the current relief cycle, but assured that the County Government had procured additional relief food that was destined for the remaining regions.
The Governor vowed to work with President William Ruto as the elected Head of State despite being from a different political party. He cautioned residents against associating with politicians who were against unity of leaders by fueling division.
Leader of Minority and Lokichar MCA Samwel Lomodo assured residents that the minority side will champion the Government development programme and political interest in the County Assembly.
The Governor was accompanied by acting County Chief Officers James Lokwale (Water Services) and John Korikel (Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works); Chief of Staff Peter Yoromoe and acting Director for Peace Building and Conflict Management Geoffrey Apedor.
By Peter Gitonga
