“People Are Dying in Turkana Due to Lack of Network Coverage!” — Turkana Senator Lomenen Blasts Kabogo-Led ICT Ministry

Last Updated on August 1, 2025 by Turkana County News Online

The Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) has called out the Ministry of ICT over poor visibility, weak implementation, and neglect of critical connectivity projects, particularly in marginalized and high-risk regions.

During a heated Senate ICT Committee session, Turkana Senator James Lomenen delivered a powerful and emotional plea, calling out the Ministry of ICT for neglecting remote counties like Turkana, where the absence of network coverage is costing lives.

“People are dying in Turkana because there is no network. Security officers cannot respond to attacks in time. The invaders from Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda exploit our weak signal. How can the government protect its people without communication?” Senator Lomenen asked.

He accused the Ministry of making empty promises, reminding Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo that he once promised to match Uganda’s network coverage within six months. Instead, Lomenen lamented, MTN Uganda now has stronger signal presence than Safaricom in parts of Turkana.

“You stood in the chamber and assured us that our network would match Uganda’s in six months. Yet today, when you enter Turkana, the first signal you get is MTN Uganda. Safaricom disappears,” he said, visibly frustrated.

The senator demanded evidence of actual work in critical border areas like Todonyang, Lokiriama, and Napak, warning that ongoing government inaction continues to endanger lives in these vulnerable zones.

“People are dying in Turkana because there is no network… How can the government protect its people without communication?” Lomenen asked, highlighting broken promises and lack of progress in areas like Todonyang, Lokiriama, and Napak.

In a tense session chaired by Senator Allan Chesang, the committee reprimanded ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo and his team for the delayed rollout of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and lack of public engagement.

“Why are you not doing any public communication about USF? No visibility, no branding of sites. Private tower companies seem to be taking credit for what the USF funds,” Senator Chesang stated firmly.

CS Kabogo defended the Ministry, stating that emergency funds had been sourced through the Ministry of Interior to fast-track coverage in high-risk zones and reaffirmed his earlier six-month commitment to improve Turkana’s connectivity.

“We are using Interior Ministry resources because the ICT budget is insufficient. The President has issued direct orders: Kenya must be secure and Kenya must communicate,” said Kabogo.

He acknowledged communication gaps around USF initiatives, attributing the issue to policy delays, but noted that new guidelines have been approved by Cabinet to enhance transparency and project visibility.

Still unsatisfied, the Committee issued firm directives:

The Ministry must convene a joint retreat with ICT stakeholders and the Committee to review USF performance;

Updated access gap data must be submitted within 60 days;

All senators must receive detailed USF progress reports for scrutiny and follow-up.

The Committee will reconvene after the retreat to evaluate whether the Ministry has acted on its promises. Until then, the burden of accountability remains squarely on the ICT Ministry’s shoulders.