President William Samoei Ruto has acknowledged that Turkana County has long been left behind in national development, but affirmed his administration’s commitment to reversing that trend through large-scale infrastructure and economic investments.
Speaking after a meeting with grassroots leaders from Turkana at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto said the government is prioritizing transformative projects aimed at opening up the county to greater opportunities.
“Turkana’s development has been held back for too long. That’s why we are investing in strategic infrastructure to unlock the region’s potential,” the President stated.
Key Projects Unveiled:
- Maili Tisa–Kitale–Kainuk–Lokichar Road Overhaul: A critical project aimed at improving connectivity and market access for the region.
- Rural Electrification Initiative: A Sh2.3 billion investment to extend electricity to rural communities, powering homes, businesses, and schools.
- Lodwar Modern Stadium: Construction of a Sh900 million stadium to boost sports and youth development.
- Turkwel Irrigation Scheme Expansion: A Sh2.5 billion project aimed at bringing over 100,000 acres of land under irrigation, boosting food production and livelihoods.
- Fish Market Development: Two state-of-the-art fish markets are being built at a cost of Sh700 million to support the county’s fishing industry.
- Lodwar County Referral Hospital Upgrade: Ongoing improvements and equipment upgrades to enhance healthcare service delivery.
- Student Hostel Construction: Sh2.3 billion allocated to build modern hostels for university and college students, ensuring safe and dignified accommodation.
President Ruto also challenged Turkana’s local leaders to accelerate registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA), emphasizing the importance of affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all households in the region.
