Multilateral relations between Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia received a boost after representatives of the three IGAD member states signed a 10-point peace pact at a Tobong’u Lore side meeting in Lodwar in the presence of Deputy President Dr William Ruto.
“The agreement whose tripartite parties are the Turkana of Kenya, Dassenach and Nyangatom of Ethiopia and the Karamoja of Uganda is premised on the view that continued cross border cordial relations helps eliminate unnecessary loss of life,” Governor Nanok said.
Governor Nanok said the peace pact signing was a culmination of previous diplomatic and bilateral meetings as well as Government-led peace initiatives initially held in individual countries and later on the side-lines of previous Tobong’u Lore festivals.
Nanok explained that the pact would go a long way in improving borderlands peace and cohesion as well as provide a platform for sharing of cross border pasture resources between the member countries.
Establishment of a one-stop-border point at Todonyang and Lokiriama, construction of the Moroto-Lodwar-Todonyang transnational road and a cross border bridge to link Kibish (Kenya) and Kangaten (Ethiopia) are among some of the projects to be initiated courtesy of the pact.
Other projects include; joint cross border protocol and one health programme.
The brief event was also attended by Stanley Kiptis (Governor Baringo County), Jackson Mandago (Governor Uasin Gishu), Kimani Ichungwa (MP Kikuyu) and Aden Duale (MP Garissa Township).
Delegates from Uganda led by Assistant Commissioner in the Office of the Prime Minister Francis Okori and their counterparts from Ethiopia also attended.
Also present were Peter Eripete (County Secretary), Jane Ajele (CEC Health), Capt Rtd. Augustine Lokwang’ (Chief Officer Health), Rosemary Nchinyei (Chief Officer Infrastructure), Elizabeth Limagur (Director Press) among others.
By Peter Gitonga
