Turkana: Turkana County Government is set to assume control of 25 newly constructed socio-economic infrastructure projects, valued at over Sh2 billion, from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). These projects were funded under the World Bank’s Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project (EARTTDFP).
According to Kenya News Agency, the EARTTDFP project encompassed significant developments such as the construction of the Kainuk Bridge, the Lokichar-Lodwar-Nadapal highway, and the installation of fibre optic cables from Eldoret to Nadapal. The socio-economic infrastructure projects cover a range of sectors, including education, health, water and sanitation, transport, ICT, security, and trade, all contributing to a comprehensive development footprint along the corridor.
During a meeting between the county government and a KeNHA team, Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus emphasized the significance of this milestone in enhancing public service delivery and driving regional transformation. Dr. Erus highlighted that the projects are designed to be more than mere facilities; they are “instruments of change” aimed at improving community access to essential services. The projects include health facilities equipped with maternity wings, laboratories, and pharmacies, as well as educational centers, a teacher training college, boreholes, an ICT hub, roads, and truck bays, all constructed to high standards.
Dr. Erus also noted that poor road infrastructure had historically contributed to insecurity in Turkana, isolating communities from services and opportunities. He asserted that this investment addresses that historical gap, paving the way for peace, trade, and prosperity in the region.
The joint inspection team, led by Eng. Gilbert Arasa, Deputy Engineer for Roads at the State Department of Roads, included representatives from various national agencies. This visit followed a similar handover in West Pokot and marked a formal inspection and verification process for the Turkana component of the project.
The projects are strategically located along the highway corridor, while others extend off-road to reach interior and underserved communities. Community engagement was crucial to the implementation, especially regarding land acquisition, as much of the land remains communally owned.
Dr. Erus acknowledged the vital legal oversight provided by the Office of the County Attorney, which facilitated community consent alongside county and national agencies. Efforts are ongoing to begin formal land titling across the county to simplify future development processes.
In preparation for the official handover, both the County Government and national institutions scheduled to receive the projects have pledged to ensure the new facilities are adequately staffed, connected to utility services, and secured locally. KeNHA has also committed to building the capacity of local technical staff, particularly in electrical maintenance, to ensure sustainable upkeep.
Other county officials present at the meeting included Ag Country Secretary Joseph Nyang’a, Deputy County Secretary Dr. Albert Gamoe, County Attorney Ruth Emanikor, Chief Officer for Economic Planning Samwel Ekaale, and Advisor to the Office of the Governor Ambassador Richard Ekai. Following the meeting, the team proceeded to Turkana South and East to inspect several projects, accompanied by Chief Officer Livestock Development Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel and other senior county officers.