Turkana County, the local government has significantly increased its development budget allocation from 29% to 49% of the total budget, announced Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai.
According to Kenya News Agency, this move, marking the first budget of his administration, is dedicated to advancing the county’s development agenda and providing tangible benefits to its residents.
Lomorukai, speaking at a church service and fundraising event at PAG Church Lodwar, highlighted his administration’s commitment to the responsible management of public resources. He emphasized a strong focus on preventing misappropriation of funds designated for development projects. Addressing past practices where development funds were often utilized only after exhausting recurrent funds, the governor stressed that such habits leading to pending bills would not be tolerated under his leadership.
The governor further disclosed that the county had successfully cleared 98% of pending bills inherited from the previous administration and assured contractors of timely payments. Lomorukai called for support from religious leaders, urging them to foster the unity agenda among Turkana leaders. He noted the success of over 90% of leaders working collaboratively, emphasizing unity as essential for effective service delivery.
During the event, which was also attended by the County First Lady Lillian Ekamais, the governor insisted on the collective responsibility of clergy, elders, and residents to engage in dialogue with leaders to ensure unity, critical for the county’s development objectives. Lodwar Township MCA Ruth Kuya and several county officials, including County Executive for Tourism Elizabeth Loote, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Services Peter Lomorukai, and Chief of Staff Peter Yoromoe, were present at the function.
