Local news – 3.6.12 - By Mary Tioko - Unite like the holy trinity: Priest urges the Christians

The Christian community of St. Augustine's Cathedral parish have been urged to unite just as the father, son and the holy spirit are. Speaking during his homily today at St. Augustine's Cathedral parish, The parish priest of Lokori Fr. Leonard Tomia said that the three united in the creation of the human beings even in the beginning and still consult up to now.

Fr. Tomia challenged the thinking of human beings of placing God to be far from them saying that God is with them in form of the holy trinity since he is the word which become flesh and dwells in them. He told them that they adore him in the holy spirit which sanctifies the world. He also added that one can understand this misery if one has the faith and encouraged them to walk in the light of the holy spirit which removes them from darkness to light.

Fr. Tomia encouraged them to strengthen their relationship with God to be like that one between the father and the son/daughter likewise to the holy trinity and the Christians. He said that God is love and the one who lives in love lives in him and urged them to love one another.

Visiting the Cathedral church today were Party leader of URP Hon. William Ruto, MP Turkana central Hon. Ekwee Ethuro, Party Chairman Francis Ole Kaparo and Elgeyo Markwet Mp in meeting the people tour in Turkana county. They invited the Christians to join them in their rally later in the course of the day. They also made their contributions in advance towards the Jubilee Plaza Fundraising of 250.000/-,200,000/= from Ruto, 30.000/= from Ekwee and 10.000/each from Kaparo and his colleague. We wish them the best in their campaigns.

Local NEWS – 01.06.2012 - By Peter LOKATUR - Poor road network and the breaking of the river banks takes the centre stage during the Madaraka Day Cele

As Kenyans mark the 49^th Madaraka Day, residents of Turkana Central District have raised concerns that they have nothing to delight for since they have been going through so many frustrations in the reign of all the successive governments. Speaking to Akicha radio, Margaret Akiru, a resident of Napetet Ward said they are engulfed with sorrow because they have a poor road network system that is a threat to many livelihoods among other issues.

Same sentiments were echoed by Kawalathe Ward Councillor, Mr. Ebulon, who said there is need for a permanent solution to the only threat within the township. He said the threat is River Kawalase bridge which has been neglected for quite some time by the authorities concerned within the government.

He further said the fact that Kawalathe river keeps on breaking its banks towards Lodwar town is a big threat to its developmental activities.

The councilor also emphasized that there is need to bring in transparency and accountability in Free Primary Education, Employment opportunities and improvement of the welfare of the house maids by their employers. The vice chairman, Turkana County Council, Mr. David Ekod also pleaded with the government to be extra serious on the issues concerning Kawalathe River.

Local News – 01.06.2012 - By Peter LOKATUR - Residents of Turkana Central join other Kenyans in celebrating the 49th Madaraka Day.

Residents of Turkana central district today were among thousands of millions of kenyans celebrating the 49^th Madaraka Day since Kenya attained its independence back in 1963. Many locals could not hide their happiness.

Speaking during the celebrations, His worship mayor of Lodwar municipality, Mr. David Kinyonge, thanked the government for the good role it has played through the provincial administration, by ensuring that insecurity levels have dropped tremendously. Kinyonge also added that the Kazi kwa Vijana funds have been received and will start using them sooner than later.

On the other hand Mr. Humphry Nakitare, the Turkana Central District Commissioner, praised the government for being considerate to the people of Turkana. He said the government has given Sh. 18 million to the Children officer so as to help the vulnerable children access education and other necessities. Mr. Nakitare also added that very soon the local IDPs will get proper housing among other upkeeps.

Among the politicians present was Cllr. Lazaro Eyangan, who welcomed the new County Commissioner, Mr. Julius Mathenge, and urged him to be ready to tackle the challenges ahead of him in his new responsibility.

The president of the republic of Kenya, Hon. Mwai Kibaki, in a speech read by the county commissioner said the government has allocated 30 million shillings per constituency for repair and maintenance of rural roads in the current financial year, through the Roads Maintenance Fund. The president's speech has come two days after a bus overturned several times killing 18 people, along the Kitale-Lodwar highway.

LOCAL NEWS – 30.05.2012 - The Atukuro Akiyar self help group mobilizes 580 farmes

The Atukuro Akiyar self help group mobilized 580 farmers in Turkana county near St. Teresa center to work on 18ha.

Speaking during the interview at St. Teresa's farmyard, Mr. Samwel Lopeyo said that the project started on 23^th of June 2011 and registered to social services office initially they had 363 farmers but now increased up to 580. At first they were given seeds with agriculture department.

Mr. Lopeyo said that Barnard has been very close to the farmers giving them a lot of support by providing seedling and also some financial to boost their project. Elsewhere at Kambi mawe village, the manyata house burned to down yesterday at 3am .

During the visit at the incident the owner of the house Mr. David Ekiru said that the incident occurred at the time he was preparing to cook maandazi for sell. The fire explode spreading up to the roof and finally to the neighbors house.

Mr. Ekai said that nothing was rescued in his house but they only managed to rescue the neighbors properties in that no injuries or death was reported.

Local News – 28.05.2012 - By Ken and Kamar - Kerio River is changing the lifestyle of Lokori community

Lokori (elelea) irrigation scheme is changing the lifestyle of the community. They have more than 480ha that which are being prepared for planting.

Speaking during the meeting at the farmyard the secretary of Elelea Mr. Benson Lotia said that they are working hard to make sure the lifestyle of the communiy have improved although they have along way to go and also facing challenges. They have mobilized the community to engaged in the farming.

Mr. Benson added that the challenges are dryness of Kerio river but that of the insecurity is normal to them.

He also complaining of men not helping women on farm. The laxity of their young boys as also the major problems.

He urged the government to give full support to enable them to meet their demands.

Local news – 27.05.2012 - byKen and Kamar - Lokubae irrigation scheme in Turkana East

The Lokubae Irrigation Scheme has now resumed back to normal business. The scheme has got one thousand two hundred hectares though they have only planted on a 350ha.

The Lokubae irrigation is served by Kerio river, it has got more than 3000 registered members. They planted maize at now two weeks down from the germination.

Managing director Mr. Wafula said that the main challenge is that the Kerio river is seasonal river hence it cannot be reliable.

Farmers are forced to do extra-work so as to meet their demands. They also face the problem of female manpower as males are pastarolist. Through this challenges they are not able to meet their goals ahundred percent.

Lokubae community dont have a place to sell their goods due to poor transport network and insecurity in the area.