Local News LODWAR REFERAL HOSPITAL GETS MORE DRUGS FROM THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT

The Lodwar referral hospital  received drugs worthy fourty million. Speaking to Radio Akicha the Health minister  Mrs.Jane Ajele said that the drugs which were bought by  the Turkana county government will help the residents since the cost will be lowered and also urged residents to not listen to rumours that the hospital has  a shortage.

Hon Ajele  thanked the governor His Excellence. Josphat Nanok and added that Kapedo, Katilu, Lokitang’ Kakuma and Lopinding’ among other health centers will benefit from this programme.  She also added that the hospital also received new freezers which will be used to preserve drugs.

The  Chief officer in the Hospital Agnes Mana added that  they also received special drugs for curing snake and dog bites.

Locals News THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT WILL CONTAIN THE SITUATION MR.LOMENENI SAYS

Turkana East Member of Parliament Mr. Lomeneni has said that the National government will soon retain peace in Kapedo area. Speaking to Radio Akicha,  the Turkana South member of parliament said that the Kenyan Government has succeeded in bringing peace in kainuk area where a bus was attacked leaving one person dead and several injured. The MP added that measures have been put in place  and no case of the same nature will occur again.

Mr. Lomeneni also urged leaders coming from this area to put aside their differences and work for the common good of Turkana people.He also added   that soon peace talks will be held to sort the differences of the two communities.He thanked the government for deploying police and GSU in the area to provide security and also ensuring that the examinations in progress go on well .

LOCAL NEWS KEN SIMIYU 6-10-2014 ROWDY YOUTHS DISRUPT ACTIVITIES AT ARDAN OIL COMPANY IN KALOKOL

Angry youths from Kalokol on 6th October 2014 disrupted oil extraction activities which are being carried out by Tullow Oil Company in collaboration with Adan Company at the Kalokol-Lowareng’ak road. The youths were protesting after 2 staffs from Kalokol who worked for Adan Oil Company were sacked yesterday and claimed that the company is not offering employment opportunities to them.

The protest came also after a number of disputes that have erupted regularly between the youths and the sub-county advisory committee. Adan Oil Company has now being forced to put its activities to a standstill until a lasting solution has been found. Speaking about the demonstration, our sources from Kalokol confirm that the disputes have been ongoing for a while now.

For now the companies have stopped oil exploration process until a solution has been found.

LOCAL NEWS ROBERT KARIUKI 7-10-2014 ONE PERSON DIES FOLLOWING A RAID THAT TOOK PLACE AT KALIMOROK TODAY

One person has been confirmed dead and two others seriously injured following an attack that took place on 7th October 2014at 10 am in Kalimorok, Turkana south. Raiders suspected to be from the neighboring pokot county paid unexpected visit in the area wanting to drive away a large number of livestock before the national reservist police and villagers engaged them and lead to a prolonged gun fight.

Confirming the incident, katilu ward administrator, Mr. Bernard Lennon, said those injured were taken to kainuk health centre to receive treatment. One person was injured on both legs while the other was shot on his left arm.

Mr. Bernard Lennon added that unknown numbers of livestock were driven away by the bandits after a combination of effort from the national reservist police, administration police and livestock anti theft police unit in trying to recover them were fruitless.

LOCAL NEWS ROBERT KARIUKI 8-10-2014 PRIMARY SCHOOLS TEACHERS RECEIVE TRAINING FROM OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS ON LANGUAGES

Teachers teaching English and Kiswahili subjects in primary schools in Turkana central sub-county  received in service training from oxford university press at Lodwar mixed primary school in Lodwar town. The training is most importantly aimed at giving methods to teachers on how to teach languages considering that the marking of English compositions and Kiswahili inshas is changing day by day and so they should be aware and updated.

3 schools turned out for the programme including Lodwar mixed primary, Nakuluja AIC and Bishop Mahon primary, more so 60% of the total languages teachers in the region turned out and were trained by the experts. Speaking during the exercise, Lodwar mixed primary head teacher, Mr. James Akoyo, said the training was essential because in the last 4 years languages has been performing poorly.

The experts were training for free and also donated stationary items to the teachers and certificates of participation.

LOCAL NEWS KEN SIMIYU 9-10-2014 KIBAKI LAUNCHES THE WATER FOR SOCIO ECONOMIC SUMMIT AT ELIYE SPRINGS

Former presient, Mwai Kibaki, launched the water for socio economic summit at Eliye springs in Turkana County. The summit with the theme, ‘water for socio economic development’ brought together Turkana county and national government officials, Japan government, Mount Kenya University, Nation media group, UNESCO, water institutions and development partners.

The summit is aimed at finding lasting solutions to water problems not only in Turkana County but also across the nation considering that the county has been the centre of attention after the discovery of a water aquifer. Access to clean safe water is a project in the integrated development plan between 2013 and 2017 and the plan is meant to increase water access from the current 40% to 74% in the next 4 years.

Addressing the participants in the summit at Kristin camp, former president of the republic of Kenya, Hon. Mwai Kibaki, said for planning purposes the government and stakeholders need to know the location, quantity and quality of water resources.

Speaking also at the summit, Turkana county governor, Hon. Josephat Nanok, described this as a well thought out idea and added that conclusion of lotikipi aquifer is important in the oil exploration process.

This is the first water summit event conducted in Turkana County which is meant to be a big boost economically.

LOCAL NEWS ROBERT KARIUKI 10-10-2014 SECOND PARTICIPATORY SCENARIO PLANNING WORKSHOP CONDUCTED YESTERDAY AT ST. TERESA PASTROL CENTRE

The second participatory scenario planning two day workshop ended  at St. Teresa pastoral centre in lodwar town. The first phase of the programme was conducted in the months of March, April and May while this second phase will be conducted in the months of October, November and December. The workshop which was organized by agriculture sector development support programme (ASSP), world vision, JAICA, Oxfam in collaboration with Kenya meteorological service (KMS) aims at sensitizing the community on how to prepare well for the upcoming October, November, December season.

The workshop is also meant to create awareness among the community on whether there is going to be rainfall or drought and how they should prepare themselves. The workshop was also aimed at developing advisories for each sector among them agriculture, health, education and many more. Speaking during workshop, meteorological service county director, Mr. Francis Muinda said the rains in Turkana south have already begun.

Speaking also at the workshop, the guest speaker who is also county chief executive in charge of public service and disaster management said they met to discuss the way forward during disaster periods.

The information from the workshop will be beneficial to the county government as they plan to reduce disaster in the region.

Local news 5.10.14 By Mary Tioko. Speak less, listen more: Says Vicar General.

The Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar fr. Joseph Ekalimon informed the christians to be people who speak less and listen more in their lives so as to know the will of God. He said this  during his Sunday Homily at St. Augustine's Cathedral parish. Fr. Ekalimon said that there are many choices that a person makes in life according to the call of God. He encouraged them to perform their tasks well in any given reponsibility.

Fr. Ekalimon said that a person can choose to go the long route in life by following the instructions and succeed or follow shortcuts that can lead one to hell. He reminded them that choices that they make in life have consequences and that they should be careful not to fall into temptatations. He encouraged the christians to be reponsible in life so as to change others and bring them close to God.

Fr. Ekalimon invited parents and guardians to take care of the children that God has given them as their gifts and they should not leave them to be taught by the pleasures of these world but they should give them directions in life. He encouraged them also to support the leadership of this county of Turkana  and help them in fuilling the reponsibilities. He said that each an every individual has to be answerable to the work he or is doing to ensure that there is accountability and transparency by doing the right thing in any work place so as not to be like the labourers in the gospel of today who never wanted to be audited but instead killed those sent to oversee their work. He warned them over Jealousy, Greed and Envy which can distance them away from God.

LOCAL NEWS KEN SIMIYU 2-10-2014 KANAMKEMER PRIMARY FACING A THREAT OF OUTBREAK OF DISEASES DUE TO OVERFLOWING LATRINES.

St Patrick primary school located in Kanamkemer, Lodwar town is facing a number of problems that will probably lead to its closure even before the end of the academic term. The school which hosted Turkana cultural festival on August this year is now facing numerous challenges with the big one been overflowing latrines making it dangerous for the pupils to learn in that environment.

Overflowing latrines is just but among the many problems the school is facing besides lack of water, lack of fence and breakages of desks and chairs suffered during the monumental festival. It is now clear that if a solution cannot be found soon an outbreak of waterborne diseases like cholera is going to be evident.

Speaking during an interview with Radio Akicha, the school deputy head teacher, Mrs. Norah Esinyen, said that the festival which the school hosted left uncountable damages.

It is now uncomfortable for the school with a population of 2356 pupils to continue with the normal run of activities. Responding to the issue, county executive in charge of Education, Margaret Kuchal, said that they already tried emptying the latrines but it was impossible because the pupils used stones to block them.

She also added that they will try to rescue the situation by opening one of the latrines so that the pupils can continue with learning smoothly.

Local news by ken simiyu 9.9.2014 six people survive death following a scathing attack by the donkey at Lorengipi in Loima Sub County yesterday.

Six people among them 12 year old boy were attacked by A donkey who is always a friendly to them at home while  a sleep at home yesterday night. The Donkey became wild and moved house to house biting anyone that it came across on the way.

Confirming the incident ,the area chief of Lorengikipi Mr. Nathan longorio said that the  six people were attacked unaware. He said that the   donkey in question  is believed to be polite among the other donkeys  could not explain what befall him to take the action it took of biting people indiscriminately.

Mr. Longorio reported that the Angry Lorengikipi community in revenge killed the donkey and consumed its meat. The chief moreover said he is afraid of the members who ate it for  no one knows if the donkey had suffered from any ailment or not .

The six are just nursing their wounds locally in the region for lack of means to access a health facility despite one having his fingers chopped off by the donkey.
Chief Longorio however urged the health officers  nearby to help the victims to get medical attention.

Local News PETER ESINYEN 8/9/2014 Lodwar Air strip requires lighting for night landing

Lodwar airstrip still remains a nightmare from 6.30Pm as no plane is able to land to Lodwar due to lack of lighting in the airstrip.

Following the emergency landing of Senator John Munyes Kiyonga who was airlifted from Lowarengak in Turkana North to Lodwar Referral Hospital after was accidentally shot by his body guard on their way back from a peace meeting in Ethiopia. Lodwar Boda Boda and Taxi operators decided to use their Motor bikes and vehicles to provide light in the airstrip to enable the plane ferrying the Senator to land.

It is now the second week after Turkana County Governor promised to install street lights in Lodwar town within two weeks during the Turkana cultural festival in Sikika Sasa interview in Bishop Mahon center Lodwar and the project has not yet began.

This has raised another query of providing lighting in the Lodwar airstrip as construction of the terminal is underway.

Local news 18.9.14 By Cecilia Ekiru Primary school teachers from Turkana county trained on children hygiene and sanitation at Anna Nanjala Center

World vision ADP Kainuk and UNICEF have collaborated together with the Ministry of Health and Education within Turkana County, to train primary school  teachers on children hygiene and sanitation for three days at Anna Nanjala Center. The workshop was facilitated by world vision ADP supervisor from Kainuk Mrs. Debora Oyoro.
The workshop started on this week and will end up tomorrow. The teachers were urged  to form clubs in their schools that educate pupils on how they can make environment clean. They were also requested to be good role models  to their students by: Organizing, showing direction and guiding them on hygiene.
In respect on hygiene , teachers were taught on how to be clean physically and environmentally so that they can  educate pupils  to wash their hands for five times after visiting the toilet.

By Mary Tioko Artificial Family Planning prevents life and Love in any marriage: says NFP facilitators

The facilitators of Natural Family Planning from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) who are offering training on Natural Family planning at St. Teresa Pastoral Center to couples said today that Artificial Family planning prevents life and love in any marriage . Addressing the participants today at St. Teresa, Family life trainer Mrs.  Muneswa said that life and love is important bond in any marriage and has to be nurtured by both spouses.
One of the trainers in this workshop, Mrs. Angeline Achonda who is a family life counselor said that Natural family planning is a method that does not go against life and love and is important for couples to know it. Mrs. Achonda said that Natural family planning has techniques that a couple needs to know and teach each other as a couple and to pass the information to the entire families within the county for good health and joy of marriage.

Local news 13.9.14 By Mary Tioko Symbols play a role in our lives: says Fr. Areman

Fr. Paul  Areman who is the parish administrator of St. Augustine's Cathedral parish said today during his Sunday homily  that symbols play a major role in ones life. Fr. Areman said that when explaining the importance of the cross as the faithfuls join other Catholics all over the world to celebrate the exhalation of the cross which is a symbol their salvation.

Fr. Areman said that the cross does wonders in ones life if one beliefs as Christ saved them through the cross and can still save them from their problems. He added that the cross was a sign of shame during the passion and death of Jesus Christ as he was crucified among the thieves and was naked but later through this cross Christ conquered death and resurrected and brought them the salvation which became a sign of victory.

The priest informed the Christians that when they see the cross they should remember their salvation and love of Christ for them  and above all his forgiveness. He said that in through the cross the whole world was saved although people still complain but Christ still provides for them as he did to the Israelites when they were at the wilderness.

He encouraged them to put the cross of Christ before them when making decisions to guide them make the right decisions and actions and in that they will see victory in their lives.

Local news 12.9.14 By Mary Tioko. 70 people in Lodwar have been trained on BF Suma products today at Lodwar lodge.

The BF Suma team today have given training on BF Suma products to over 70 participants who were drawn from Lodwar town and its environs. The training is on health and wealth creation using these products. Speaking to the participants today at Lodwar Lodge, the senior trainer of BF Suma Mr. James Inoti said that these products helps them to  improve their health and and have been proven as effective especially by people who have used these products.

Mr. Inoti said that people who have once used these products have been healed of their illnesses and testified. He added that these products also create wealth by different ways of earning money as they continue interacting with others and enable them to be financially free especially in Counties that are economically low.

He encouraged people to attend these trainings to know their health status and how they can eradicate poverty by doing business. He thanked God for being in Turkana county and prays that they help improve the living standards of people here in both Health and wealth creation.

Local news- Kosgey Robert 17.9.14 BISHOP MAHON LAND CONTRAVERSY FOLLOW UP.

The land dispute between Bishop Mahon Primary School committee and Zara networks company that attracted attention of the community, the County Executive of Lands minister Peter Lokol said that the issue has to be discussed and decision reached by the two disputing parties after consultations and documents perused to determine the legal owner of the land.

During the afternoon session, minister in the ministry of lands Turkana county Mr. Peter Lokol either reiterated that the pending matter is on the process to be settled as the construction of the tower is stalled until further notice.

LOCAL NEWS KEN SIMIYU 4-9-2014 100,000 LIVESTOCK OWNED BY TURKANA PASTORAL COMMUNITY LIVING IN UGANDA TO BE TREATED AND VACCINATED

Turkana county government through its ministry of pastoral economy and fisheries in collaboration with the ministry of health and sanitation and the ministry of public service, decentralized administration and disaster management has organized a 3 week vaccination exercise that will take place in Uganda to treat and vaccinate 60,000 cattle and 40,000 shoats.

The 3 week exercise which will kick  targeting to treat and vaccinate a total of 100,000 livestock owned by the turkana community and other communities living with them in the neighboring country of Uganda especially the Northern part. The exercise will be led by Turkana County Deputy Governor, Hon. Peter Lokoel and is also aiming at helping the county government to estimate the population of livestock and humans in Uganda.

Speaking at his ministry’s office in Kanamkemer, County Executive in charge of Pastoral economy and fisheries, Christopher Eporon said they will also be extending the same services to the Karamoja community who have co existed well with the Turkana.

County executive in charge of Health and sanitation, Jane Ajele added that a team comprising of one doctor, one clinic officer, one nutritionist, one epidemiologist and 3 nurses will be carrying out the exercise.

LOCAL NEWS KEN SIMIYU 4-9-2014 5 PEOPLE KILLED AND 4 OTHERS INJURED INCLUDING AN O.C.S IN TWO SEPARATE ATTACKS CARRIED OUT BY SUSPECTED POKOT RAIDERS

4 people have lost their lives and 2 others injured in fresh attacks that took place at Nakukulas in Lokori, Turkana East Sub County. The village was raided at 9 pm yesterday with the fight continuing until today morning. The raiders who were armed with firearms managed to escape with an unknown number of livestock and efforts by the national reservist police, administration police and regular police to recover them were futile.

Among the injured people was Lokwamusing police station O.C.S whose right hand was shot after his car was sprayed with bullets by the raiders. Confirming the incident, Turkana east sub county administrator, Mr. Christopher Eregai said that the national government should increase the number of national reservist police in the region.

Elsewhere at Kainuk town in Turkana South sub county one person was killed and two others injured this morning after raiders suspected to be from Pokot west Sub County raided the area escaping with more than 400 livestock. Confirming the raid incident Kainuk area chief, Mrs. Sarah Lochodo has said a national reservist police and a herdsman were injured in the attack and have been referred to Lodwar Referral hospital for treatment.

Residents are now calling for the national government and county government to fulfill their promises in maintaining high security by employing more national reservist police as promised by the inspector general during his visit in the county.

LOCAL NEWS KEN SIMIYU 3-9-2014 UNUSUAL RAIN PATTERN OBSERVED IN TURKANA COUNTY AS WEATHER OBSERVERS CAUTION RESIDENTS OF FLOOD

Turkana County is experiencing rainfall this month which is unusual as most rains are experienced in the month of October. At Kakuma town the rain started on Friday and it has continued until today with no signs of stopping at all. In Lodwar town, the rain started last night at about 11pm raining all night long and pausing at 7 in the morning where drizzling took over for the rest of the day.

Meteorological reports show that this is an unusual rain pattern experienced in the county since short rain occurs in the month of October. With heavy rainfall being recorded countrywide, Turkana County was not left behind as it recorded 30.2mm. Weather observers have cautioned the residents of spread of diseases such as malaria during the raining seasons and urged them to prevent them by seeking doctor’s advice as early as possible.

Rainfall is always seen as a sign of blessing but for the transport sector it is the exact opposite as the rain has hindered movement of people to different areas. Travelling in and out of Lodwar town was impossible today as the infamous Kawalase proving impassable.

The residents are now calling the county government to take action by constructing a bridge at kawalase to help during the raining season.