LOCAL NEWS - BY KEN SIMIYU – ON 10-7-2014 - TWO PEOPLE SHOT DEAD AT KAPUTIR VILLAGE IN TURKANA SOUTH

A middle aged man and a Kenya Police Reservist Officer were shot dead at Kaputir village in Turkana south where the two lost their lives while they were cultivating land in a small irrigation Scheme. It is suspected that bandits from the neighboring Pokot County ambushed the farmers shooting down a 35 year old K.P.R officer and another middle aged man killing them instantly. The killings came a week after three old men were murdered, and in a short period of a month’s time 10 people have lost their lives after a series of attacks in the region. Confirming the incident, Kaputir  region  Member of County Assembly, Hon. John Ebukuti said the Government is not taking any action in preventing any more attacks and protecting the community.

LOCAL NEWS BY - KEN SIMIYU – ON - 9-7-2014 - FATAL ROAD ACCIDENT ALONG ELIYE SPINGS JUNCTION LEAVES TWO DEAD

A fatal road traffic accident that occurred at around 3 p.m  left two people dead.  The accident involved a County Government land cruiser with the registration number KBW 290V and a motorcycle ended the lives of a 25 year old motorbike rider and his 40 year old customer. The crash occurred on the road linking Lodwar to Kalokol with both the land cruiser and the motorbike heading to Kalokol from Lodwar town. Turkana Central O.C.P.D, Mr. Joel Kirui, confirmed the incident stating that the land cruiser hit the motorcycle from behind causing it to lose direction and eventually crashing. It is also noted that they were no injuries in the incident. The bodies were taken to Lodwar district hospital as they await post mortem tests.

LOCAL NEWS BY - KEN SIMIYU –ON 8/7/2014 - LAND GOVERNANCE PROJECT LAUNCHED IN TURKANA COUNTY

The National Lands Commission, Food and Agricultural Organization (F.A.O) and County Ministry of lands, physical planning and urban areas management converged at a meeting held at Seamo Resort Hotel in Nawoitorong,  Lodwar town. The National Lands Commission in partnership with the County Ministry of lands held the meeting in order to seek collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organization a body under the European Union to address issues of land governance in Turkana County. The project is budgeted at 2 million U.S dollars according to Tom Cheavangiz the C.E.O of National Lands Commission and it is meant to deal with issues of ownership of land in the county with many investors coming in. Majority of land in the county is owned by the community rather than individually. Speaking after the event, Honorable Peter Lokol, the county executive in charge of lands, physical planning and urban areas briefly spoke of the project.

LOCAL NEWS - ROBERT KARIUKI – ON 7-8-2014 - DIOCESAN MUSIC AND DRAMA FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE AT ST. LUKE HOME FOR THE DEAF IN NAKWAMEKWI

Diocesan drama and music festival took place at St. Luke home for the deaf in Nakwamekwi,  Lodwar town. The festival which was organized by the Diocese Committee involved P.M.C children where 18 Parishes out of 24 participated.The festival showcased and exposed various talents among the children through the items they presented included songs, drama, poems and dances. Speaking after the festival, Sister Nancy Cherotich who in charge of P.M.C Lodwar Diocese said the event aims at bringing the children together so that they can meet and socialize.

MORE THAN 30 MANYATTAS BURNT DOWN AT LOYO AREA IN LODWAR TOWN ON 26-7-2014

42 manyattas were burnt down to ashes and household properties destroyed by fire that erupted at around 5 pm at Loyo area, Legio Maria camp in Lodwar town. Mr. Daniel Abora an eye witness said that the fire was caused by a young girl who was preparing food in one of the manyattas when the fire caught the manyatta and spread rapidly. Nearby residents rushed at the scene but with different missions with most of the rescuers helping in putting off the fire while others came looting  household properties. Although the fire spread fast the rescuers managed to put it off saving some manyattas from burning down. Turkana Central MP, Hon. John Lodepe also participated in the rescue mission whereby he cooperated with the villagers in using the available water and sand in putting off the fire. Kenya Red Cross officials were also at the scene assessing the damages so that they can help those affected and settle the displaced. The residents asked for the support of the organization in providing fire extinguishers to prevent future similar disasters.

TURKANA COUNTY EDUCATION AND PRIZE-GIVING DAY ON 28 JULY 2014

Turkana County Education Day was carried out at S.t Kevin Secondary School in Lodwar Town, an occasion that saw various learning Institutions converge from Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities. The annual occasion also saw leaders in attendance led by the deputy governor, Turkana central M.P, County Ministers, members of the County Assembly, Directors of various learning institutions, representatives from Tullow Company and other organizations. It was a monumental occasion as evident by the high turnout of schools, teachers and students.

Speaking at the occasion, County Education Minister,  Miss Margret Kuchar said that although the County Government and other partners have done a lot in developments issues there is still more to be done especially in developing the education sector.

Representing T.S.C county director who missed the occasion, Turkana Central District Staffing Officer, Mr. James Loware, spoke about the big challenge of under staffing that has hit the Education Sector.