Task force begins stakeholder talks for global human origins museum in Turkana
Richard Barno, who is leading the task force, said the project seeks to transform the region by harnessing its rich cultural and palaeontological heritage.
The Presidential Taskforce on the proposed Home of Human Origins Museum and Science Park in Kalokol, Turkana South, has begun a 14-day stakeholder engagement exercise in Turkana County as part of preparations for the construction of the global museum.
The project, a joint initiative involving the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Museums of Kenya, the Turkana County Government, and other national agencies, is expected to attract significant investment and boost tourism in Turkana and the wider Ateker region.
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The task force is meeting a broad range of stakeholders, including members of the public, county officials, and local leaders. On Thursday, the team held discussions with Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and other county officials in Lodwar.
Governor Lomorukai assured the task force of the county government’s full support and urged the team to work closely with the County Department of Culture, the Council of Elders, and local communities.
“I assured the Taskforce of our full support and encouraged them to engage with our Council of Elders and residents for their views on the project, which will form part of the feasibility study,” said the governor.
He emphasised the importance of the museum, which he said would bring major benefits to Turkana, including increased tourism, job opportunities, research, and regional development.
“This museum will showcase world-renowned discoveries from our region, such as the Turkana Boy and the oldest known stone tools. It will demonstrate to the world that Turkana is truly the Cradle of Humankind,” he added.
The presidential Taskforce of the proposed Human Origins Museum and Science Park meeting Turkana County officials led by the Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai in Lodwar. (County press)
Richard Barno, who is leading the task force, said the project seeks to transform the region by harnessing its rich cultural and palaeontological heritage.
He highlighted the significance of the Lake Turkana Basin, which hosts many important fossil sites that support Kenya’s position as the origin of humankind.
Barno reiterated that the proposed Global Museum of Human Origins will attract investment and elevate Turkana’s status on the global tourism and heritage map.
He further assured the county leadership that the findings from the 14-day engagement will be shared with the governor before being officially presented to President William Ruto.
The task force, chaired by General Charles Kahariri, Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, is mandated to map heritage sites, compile a database of artefacts, and prepare a comprehensive investment plan. It will also undertake a feasibility study and conduct extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders.
President William Ruto announced plans to establish the Home of Human Origins Museum and Science Park in Turkana County on October 25, 2024, during the Tobong’u Lore Festival in Lodwar.
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