LOCAL NEWS – 01.04.2011 - By Zacheaus Otaba - Water and sanitation service providers warned of hiking water prices

Water and sanitation company in Lodwar has been warned of hiking water prices. Speaking at Nabute where she was commissioning a water kiosk, minister for water Charity Ngilu, said that it is unfair to hike the prices yet the economy does not allow.
Hon. Ngilu noted that by now there are 7 water kiosks in the region, which are not too far from each other. The minister said that a 20 litre container should be paid sh. 2 and not more than that, since water is life people should be given fairly. She added that her ministry will continue to supply people with water to ensure that it is easily accessed by every body.
She accepted that ministries owe water services board more than 6m, which should not be used to hike prices for other people who are innocent. She promised to give a track and water boozers for water transportation to areas where piped water has not reached.
The minister called for cooperation from other organizations to avoid duplication of the projects. Hon. Ngilu noted that UNICEF had given more than 100m for water and sanitation in the region to facilitate faster growth. The personnel concern were urged to use that money immediately and efficiently so that they get more funding.
The minister who was accompanied by the Assistant Minister and Mp for Turkana south Josephat Nanok and area MP Ekwee Ethuro, started their Journey from Kang'alita to Lodwar then to Lochwa and finally to Lopii in Turkana south. She was assessing and commissioning of the water kiosks that have been established by the ministry of water, through Rift Valley water services board.

Local news – 31.3.11 - By Mary Tioko - Farewell party for the Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Patrick Joseph Harrington

The Farewell party for the Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Patrick Joseph Harrington was yesterday held at St. Teresa's Pastoral center Lodwar. The party which was organized by the installation committee brought together all the clergy, religious sisters and brothers and all the Diocesan secretariat of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar. Also in the party were Bishops and there priests who came from other Dioceses, Bishop of Eldoret Cornelius, Bishop of Bungoma Diocese Norman King'oo, bishop of Kitale Maurice Crowley,Bishop of Lodwar Dominic Kimengich and Bishop of Nakuru Maurice Muhatia .
The Diocesan personnel of the Diocese of Lodwar and the various congregations working in the Diocese expressed their thanks to the almighty God for the gift of Bishop Harrington and now Kimengich. The staff of the Diocese gave the Emeritus presents and some final words from the various departmental heads. We wish him good health and longer life as he brings light to all the people he meets on his way. Go in peace old man!

LOCAL NEWS – 31.03.2011 - By Zacheaus Otaba - Relief food transpoters in lodwar demonstrate

The Kenya national union of transporters Lodwar branch today went on a peaceful demonstration claiming the increment on the transportation fee by the world food Programme (WFP). Speaking to journalists in Lodwar town, the secretary general Mr. Moses Lokopu said that they have been forced to on strike because the fuel prices are high, while they being paid too little irrespective of distance.
He said that his members will not be going to work as from tomorrow, until when the transportation fee which they claim that it is Ksh. 5000 will be increased to at least 10,000/= to cater for the expenses incurred during the transportation.
Mr. Lokopu defended his members saying that the terrain and infrastructure of the region is not favorable to transporters, since their vehicles will need regular repairs.
However he called for the government to step in to facilitate the talk between the Association and their clients. He noted that though thousands may suffer, they will not go to work as from tomorrow unless the organizations concern will agree to go for a dialogue with them.

LOCAL NEWS – 30.03.2011 - By Zacheaus Otaba - Installation of bishop Dominic Kimengich

Christians and church leaders from different parts of Kenya today attended a colorful celebration of the ordination of bishop Dominic kimengich held at the st Augustine's cathedral compound. The celebrations were presided over by cardinal John Njue.
This brought together arch bishops and bishops from all over Kenya. Among those who attended were arch bishops Alex Leupen, Zacheaus Okoth from Kisumu and Peter Kairo. Bishops Boniface lele, Linus Okoth, Peter Kihara, Luyigi Payoro, Martin Kiguga, James Maria wainaina, Paul Kariuki Njiru, Maurice Muhatia, Norman King'o, Cornelius Korir, Anthony Muheria among others.
Among the guests present was the pop's representative to Kenya Paul alein Lebope. Giving his sermon cardinal Njue urged Kenyans always to preach for peace wherever they will be, irrespective of their races and tribes.
Bishop kimengich was give full mandate to run the diocese of Lodwar as the third bishop, after bishop Mahon and predecessor Patrick Harrington.

LOCAL NEWS – 29.03.2011 - By Zacheaus Otaba - Post Abortion care Campaign

The public health workers training on post abortion care started yesterday at splash guest house in Lodwar town. Speaking during the training, the district gaenerchologist Dr. Kobi Wameo said that their aim is to reach to more than 12 health facilities from Turkana central, Turkana north and Turkana south.
He said that they intend to train more than 60 health workers from the government of Kenya and non-governmental organizations. Wameo added that the training is aimed to take two day per group of 30 people, and that the first group was to start yesterday and today while the next group will be starting tomorrow and Thursday.
The doctor said that their aim is to make sure that cases of loss of lives through post abortion complications are reduced.
He explained that due to challenges of poor infrastructure, there is need to bring this service to every dispensary and health centers. The training is supported by the international rescue committee Lodwar. He assured that after the training, the communities around will benefit from these experienced personnel.
Else where, the preparations for the installationn of the third bishop of the diocese of lodwar bishopDominicc kimengich, are over. Already visitors from outside the diocese have started arriving for the climax of the celebrations that will be held tomorrow. The installation ceremony will kick off at 10.00am at st Augustine's cathedral grounds, all are welcomed.

LOCAL NEWS – 28.03.2011 - By Zacheaus Otaba - Take care food security project, says Turkana central district commissioner

People of Turkana have been urged to be on watch of the project which was launched by the united states ambassador Michael Ranneberger on Saturday on food security. The district commissioner for Turkana central Mr. Humphrey Nakitare, high lighted this today in his office saying that all projects that are meant for the people of Turkana has costed a lot of money.
He insisted that there is need for people of Turkana to take care of these projects since it affects them directly. Nakitare appreciated the efforts that have been put by the us government in considering the people of Turkana by granting them more than 800m shillings.
The commissioner said that the government is pumping a lot of money to the region in order to improve the lives of the people. He added that the construction of the Kitale to Nadapal road will start soon in order to promote faster development.
He called for the people of Turkana to appreciate that, and stop conflicts with other communities in order to promote peace in the region.
However he warned that the government is not going to compromise with any body who is going to interfere with the businessmen and passengers along the high way.