Tobong’u Lore Festival receives major funding as President highlights Turkana’s cultural potential
PETER GITONGA-KNA
President William Ruto has announced a Sh49 million al location to support the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, Tobong’u Lore.
Speaking during the festival’s second day, the President stated that the funding is part of the government’s plan to strengthen the festival, which has evolved into a unifying platform for pastoralist communities in northern Kenya and the East African region.
Commending the county government for its efforts, President Ruto emphasized the festival’s role in promoting Turkana as a cultural tourism hub and showcasing northern Kenya’s investment potential.
“This festival has become a central event that significantly positions Turkana as a top destination for cultural tourism and highlights northern Kenya as a region rich in investment opportunities,” he remarked.
“This year, the government has released Sh49 million to continue supporting this event in the future,” he added. President Ruto also announced the establishment of a Presidential Taskforce on the Development of the Kenya Home of Human Origins Museum and Science Park, based in the Lake Turkana Basin.
The task force is conducting a feasibility study for the project’s development, aimed at promoting Kenya’s status as the cradle of human origins and advancing overall development.
The Head of State was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife) and Beatrice Askul (East African Community Affairs), along with other senior government officials.
He announced that construction of a Sh900 million project to connect Lod war to the national power grid has commenced. The President stated that the government would con sider proposals from Tur kana Central MP Emathe Namuar for extending the project to Kalokol.
In further development plans, President Ruto revealed that Sh360 million would be allocated in the upcoming supplementary budget for infrastructure upgrades at Turkana University College, necessary for the institution’s eventual charter award.
He also instructed CS Miano to ad dress concerns raised by local leaders regarding the mistreatment of fishermen by Kenya Wildlife Service officers on Lake Turkana. Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai highlighted the peaceful coexistence fostered among communities living in the border area.
He announced that a re source-sharing agreement with Uganda had been finalized and requested the President’s engagement with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to formalize its signing.
Uganda’s Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Peter Lokeris, proposed that President Ruto assume the honorary title of Patron of the Ateker Community, a role previously held by former President Daniel Moi.
Governor Louis Lobong of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatorial State affirmed that Ateker leaders would continue dialogue with the President on regional matters.
MP Emathe Namuar re quested the establishment of a Lake Turkana Development Authority and a ferry service to facilitate transport across the lake to Marsabit.
Senator James Lomenen, Woman Rep resentative Cecilia Ng’itit, County Assembly Speaker Christopher Nakuleu, and MPs Dr. John Ariko (Turkana South), Ekwom Nabuin (Turkana North), Protus Akuja (Loima), Nicholas Ng’ikor (Turkana East), and Daniel Epuyo (Turkana West) also spoke during the festival.
Other leaders accom panying the President in cluded Senators Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) and Okong’o Omogeni (Kisii), Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, and MPs Julius Taitumu (Igembe North) and Thuku Kwenya (Kinangop).