Turkana residents prioritise water, healthcare and education in 2026–2027 development forums
In Turkana South Sub-County, community members from Lokichar and Kalapata Wards met in a joint forum in Lokichar, where water scarcity emerged as the most urgent concern.
Public participation forums for Turkana County’s 2026–2027 Annual Development Plan (ADP) are underway, with residents across different sub-counties highlighting the need for greater investment in water, healthcare, and education.
In Turkana South Sub-County, community members from Lokichar and Kalapata Wards met in a joint forum in Lokichar, where water scarcity emerged as the most urgent concern. Residents proposed drilling new boreholes at Ngaladei and Lomunyenkuparat to expand access to clean water.
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“Both Lokichar and Kalapata suffer from limited access to safe water. It affects our schools, homes, and pastoral livelihoods,” said Davidson Lokaalei, a Lokichar resident and member of the Lokichar Students Association. “Increased investment in water is our top priority.”
Other proposals from the forum included fencing Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres, upgrading local administrative offices, equipping Lokichar Sub-County Hospital, and strengthening disaster preparedness measures.
“Every year, droughts and floods take turns destroying our livelihoods,” noted James Eloto, another participant. “We need the county to strengthen its disaster mitigation and response systems.”
Deputy Directors Mike Aupe (Resource Mobilisation) and Hellen Nakaru (Revenue) assured participants that their proposals would be considered and factored into the final ADP draft.
Improved health facilities
Meanwhile, in Turkana Central, residents from five wards raised similar priorities, calling for improved health facilities, more boreholes, and better-equipped ECDE centres.
Director of Public Participation Simon Lokutan stressed the importance of inclusive planning.
“Residents’ focus on health, water, and education reflects real needs. These priorities will guide impactful development,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to stakeholder engagement to ensure the ADP aligns with the Governor’s Nine-Point Agenda.
Turkana Central Sub-County Administrator Esther Kiyonga urged residents to remain engaged.
“Public input is crucial in shaping our development path,” she said.
For participants like Peninah Peikai, a resident of Kerio Delta Ward, the process is already inspiring confidence.
“Participating in this forum gives me hope for better schools and healthcare facilities,” she said.
The forums brought together a wide range of voices, including youth, women, civil society organisations, and NGOs.
According to county officials, all collected proposals will be compiled and submitted to the County Assembly for review and approval by September 1.
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