LOCAL NEWS – 25.07.2012 - BY ZACHEAUS OTABA - Teachers warn on early school closure due to food shortage

The Turkana county education commissioner Mr. Nicodemus Anyang, has asked teachers to stay put in school, as the solution to shortage of food is sort.

Anyang who was speaking in his office today, said that there are some reports that some schools have already ran short of food hence posing a threat of school to be closed earlier than expected. He note that Red cross has promised to give porridge to schools that are experiencing food shortage by now, before the official closing date. The commissioner added that most of the schools in Turkana south and East are affected and that they waiting for Red cross to respond on the promise it made. He was pleased to note that already food for next term has arrived to the constituency headquarters, which is Turkana South, Turkana Central and Turkana North.

He leaked that the food meant for a term cannot be used in a different term, even it will be available.

Local news - By Ghero Christine – 24.07.2012 - NACC TRAINS CBOs AND FBOs IN TURKANA CENTRAL

The National Aids Control Council today conducted a one day training to the CBOs and FBOs that have HIV programmes in Turkana central district at st. Augustine conference hall. The CACC coordinator Turkana south constituency Mr. Yese Erupe, who was one of the facilitators said that the are aiming at reducing stigmatization among people living with HIV/Aids, in the county. Mr. Erupe said since the training started grate improvement has been observed since the rate of HIV Aids has reduced, he insisted that we should all take measures because this disease is affecting both the infected and the ones who are not affected either directly or indirectly. In the meeting, the government was represented by the D.O Turkana central division who was present, he was pleased with the work being done by the NACC. Speaking during the meeting he urged the the CBOs, the FBOs and the community at large to work together to ensure they fight the disease.

Local news – 24.7.12 - By Mary Tioko - Parting shot of Fr. Geoffrey Nakutan to the Diocesan Secretariat

The Assistant priest of St. Augustine's Cathedral parish who was also the coordinator of Talbot Centre Fr. Geoffrey Nakutan yesterday gave his parting shot to the Diocesan secretariat during Monday staff mass. Fr. Nakutan said that there is a good reason for the staff to give thanks to the lord for whatsoever he has given to them. Fr. Nakutan reminded them of the words of Bishop Norman king'oo who once answered a question asked by his fellow bishops on the Turkana people and the life they live saying that in the Diocese of Lodwar, people are just happy the way they are if only they are not influenced by other things people tell them. He added that people are contented with what God has given them in that time. He urged them to thank God for what they have that time and ask the good lord to give them something else. Fr. Nakutan Challenged his fellow priests to to see the hearts of people than the external parts saying that God sees differently from the way human beings see. Giving example of Micah in the reading he challenged them not to be discouraged when people do not follow what they preach saying that maybe the way they do it is not right and challenged them to do it the right way just as Micah did. Fr. Nakutan asked the staff to be committed to do the will of God, work in solidarity with other people they serve, and above all love them. He also cautioned them of being proud and urged them to be humbled so as to receive God's blessings in their work and be peaceful always. He called upon all to always seek for the guidance from God through the sacrament of penance. Fr. Nakutan is leaving for studies in Tangaza College to study social communications. We wish him God's Blessings as he pursues his studies!

Local news - By Ghero Christine – 23.07.2012 - FIGHT AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS AND HIV AIDS

Health workers from the six districts of Turkana county today started their 5 days training at Anna Nanjala Centre on TB and Aids treatment and prevention.

The District TB and Leprosy Coordinator Mr Abraham Kimutai said that their aim is to impact knowledge to the health workers so as to perfect their skills. It has been noted that HIV among the TB patients is on the rise, in every 100 patients of HIV 33 of them are suffering from TB hence there is to detect then put them on treatment. Speaking during the training, Mr. Kimutai said that their mission is to ensure they attain all their goals and objective thats is to bring TB to a manageable level.

The training which will end on Friday is sponsored by Elizabeth Glazier Pediatric Aids Foundation (EGPAF)

Local news – 20.7.12 - By Mary Tioko - Deputy Premier promises to end insecurity in Turkana County

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta has promised to beef up security in the conflict prone Turkana South District in Turkana County amidst attack on the residents of Turkana south yesterday. The deputy premier said that the government will dedicate every resource to ensure security for the warring pastoralist tribes in the northern Kenya. Uhuru said development of the nation will not be realized unless security and peace among communities was guaranteed. He also said that the government will deploy more security officer in the region and increase the number of police reservists adding that he was shocked to see makeshift police office at Lokori in Turkana East district in deplorable condition. Uhuru Kenyatta was leading a team of The National Alliance (TNA) party on a 3 day campaign in Turkana County amidst local leaders scramble for the party's nomination slots.

Accompanied by Mwangi Kiunjuri and a host Mp’s affiliated to TNA party, Uhuru addressed residents and business people in Lokori, Lokichar, and Lokitaung. He is expected to address people in Lodwar and Loima town tomorrow.

Local news – 20.7.12 - By Mary Tioko and Lomuria - K B C Signal blackout in the County raises concern to the viewers

Local residents have accused a state broad casting TV station (KBC) for neglecting the Turkana strengthening the notion of marginalization.
The entire Turkana region has not been receiving the KBC signal for the past five months rendering many with no digital television helpless.

This comes at time when the nation is moving to the digital satellite technology. KBC has been enjoying a wider coverage in TV programmes in the area but locals have recently complained of a row deal following unnoticed failure of signals of broadcast programmes in the area.
This concern, pressured KBC crew who were in lineee of there duty at Ngamia-1 well near Lokichar town forcing them to call their head office in theipresence. The residents told the crew that it was of no use for the media to cover matters of the county yet they cannot access the signal.
The Lokichar residents said the state media was failing in its mandate to educate, inform and entertain the public as enshrined in the constitution.
According to Derick Emase, the former chairman of the Chamber of commerce in Lodwar said the broadcaster has ignored their calls to boast television signal in the region.
Mr. Emase said that It is the constitutional right of people of Turkana to receive information through the national broadcaster. He added that that was the infringement of their right as enshrined in the constitution.

Area residents have been forced to scramble in few places with DSTV disks to watch current news and other programs due to let down by the national broadcaster.
In March this year, KBC staff went on strike asking for overhaul of obsolete equipment among other grievances.