Turkwel, Turkana Governor Dr. Jeremiah Lomorukai has urged the national government to carry out a comprehensive disarmament exercise and mop up illegal firearms as a critical step toward unlocking sustainable development along the Turkana–West Pokot border.
Speaking, Thursday, during a public participation forum on the proposed Lower Turkwel Irrigation Project in Turkwel, the governor described persistent banditry as a man-made crisis, sustained partly by political interests that thrive on instability.
Lomorukai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering peace among neighbouring communities, noting that insecurity continues to undermine development efforts despite the region’s vast potential. He cited his track record as a former Member of Parliament, saying he has consistently championed peaceful coexistence and harmony.
The forum was presided over by Cabinet Secretary for East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul, and brought together leaders from both Turkana and West Pokot counties.
The proposed Lower Turkwel Irrigation Project is expected to enhance food security while promoting peace between the two communities. Governor Lomorukai welcomed the project, thanking the national government for prioritising the area and assuring residents of full support from both county and national leadership to ensure its successful implementation.
He called on residents to abandon banditry and embrace alternative livelihoods such as agro-pastoralism, saying sustained peace would open the door to long-term socio-economic growth. The governor also highlighted the impact of climate change on water resources, describing the irrigation project as timely and vital for boosting food production and building community resilience.
CS Askul urged residents to back the project, assuring them of the government’s goodwill and commitment. She noted that ongoing insecurity has discouraged private investment in the region, leaving the government as the main driver of development initiatives.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin echoed the call for peace and disarmament, saying the region has the potential to become a major food basket if security is guaranteed. He stressed the need for collective focus on effective implementation of the irrigation project for the benefit of local residents.
Also present at the forum were Principal Secretary for ASAL and Regional Development Kello Harsama, Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita, and West Pokot County Commissioner David Ntawuasa.
Governor Lomorukai was accompanied by several county officials, including CECMs Dr. Michael Eregae (Agriculture), Benson Lokwang (Roads), Dr. Joseph Epem (Health), Wiljustus Akwalata (Water), Faith Aletea (Lands), and Roseline Aite (Finance), alongside County Attorney Ruth Emanikor and Finance Chief Officer Robert Lotaruk.
