Turkana GovernorJeremiah Lomorukuai hosts Deputy Director John Sut Ntabo who led who led a delegation from the State Department of Physical Planning, IGAD, and the National Land Commission to the county./KNA
The IGAD Land Governance initiative has concluded Phase Two of the Lokiriama Land Use Plan in Turkana County which aims to reduce resource-based conflicts.
Deputy Director, State Department of Physical Planning John Sut Ntabo, led a delegation from the national government, IGAD Turkana County, and the National Land Commission to the county this week.
Ntabo updated Governor Jeremiah Lomorukuai on the ongoing spatial planning exercise for the transhumance corridor along the Kenya-Uganda border.
The initiative is supported by IGAD.
Ntabo said a preliminary map of 4,600 square kilometers had been established after reconnaissance and engagement with stakeholders within the target areas of Lokiriama Sub-County.
He assured them that they are working with line departments of the County Government to ensure that the plan aligns with government priorities.
Turkana GovernorJeremiah Lomorukuai hosts Deputy Director John Sut Ntabo who led who led a delegation from the State Department of Physical Planning, IGAD, and the National Land Commission to the county./KNA
The next phase of the planning will be data collection. A similar exercise is being undertaken on the Uganda side with support from IGAD.
Governor Lomorukai described the process as crucial and emphasized that it will aid in resource mapping, enhance cross-border trade, and establish systems to prevent conflicts linked to livestock and human movement across the border.
The governor said that the county had enormous mineral resources but lacked the capacity to exploit them.
He expressed optimism that it would unlock the potential exploitation of resources like gold mining, which is currently being undertaken on a small scale.
He cited Lomokori and Nakitong’o as key border points where the County Government was planning to invest to spur cross-border trade.
He acknowledged that the process would boost data on resources and would require sufficient funding for its success.
Acting County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a, County Executives Dr. Joseph Epem (Health) and Benson Lokwang (Roads), and Chief Officer in the Governor’s Office Moses Korea were in attendance.
