Local news - by ken simiyu - 5.11.2013 - ALL TULOW OFFICES TO BE LED BY THE LOCALS SAID TURKANA COUNTY LEADERS

The National meeting today came into agreement that job employment is to be headed by the locals of Turkana County in Tullow. Speaking during the meeting that was held today at Lokichar, Governor Josephat Nanoko, Senator John Munyesi,Turkana East MP Hon Nicholas Ngikor,Turkana South MP Hon James Lomenen,together with all Members of county Assembly said that same of the problems which causes havoc in Tullow oil Includes Job Employment, and giving Tenders however they urged Tullow to surrender those positions to the local people in order to allow the exercises run smoothly. The Turkana leaders also said that Transportation sector should left to be controlled by the locals also Tullow should construct their offices in Turkana county and the offices should be led by the local peoples. Even though They demanded the list of all employees and the kind of jobs they do and also where they come from, the list that was realist shows that total number of employed people are 2158 out of that 1024 are the locals. Hon Josephat Nanok said that they will carry an audit to verify the given list after Tullow had resumed their work.

In the meeting also was minister for petroleum Hon Davis Chiri Chiri said that Tullow should Resume to the work as soon as possible while the county Assembly demanded to be given time to investigate before Tullow starts their normal work but Minister said that they want the company to be opened first.

Local news - Ken simiyu - 20.10.2013 - Turkana Independence hero celebrated

As the entire country marked the fourth Mashujaa day since the introduction of the new constitution, in  Turkana the administration celebrated heroes who resisted colonists from taking over the land. Turkana governor Josphat Nanok paid special tribute to outstanding warriors who included the late Areman,the late Ebei, the late diviner Koletiag who was imprisoned in 1911 for giving powerful medicinal charms to warriors And Lokonjem who was killed at Katiiri in Kalapata. Governor Nanok said the desire and commitment of these founding heroes for freedom in Turkana land has been realized through devolution with the country now running its own affairs. The governor said land will be set aside in Lodwar town to develop a hero’s corner to be dedicated to the founding fathers. He added that some cultural heritage sites that have been grabbed will be restored and preserved. The governor listed some building to be  protected including  the old African court building, court commissioners house and the Kenyatta houses in Lodwar and Lokitaung.

Turkana IDPs get brick houses, yet to receive Sh400, 000 compensation

Several Internally Displaced Persons who went back to Turkana County after the 2007/2008 post-election violence have a reason to smile, thanks to a brick house project funded by the government. The permanent housing units at Lokichar and other IDP camps across the county are nearing completion and will be unique compared to those in others regions. This comes as Turkana County gains widespread attention over the on-going oil exploration and the discovery of underground water reserves that promise to contribute to the county’s dire water needs. It has been a beehive of activity, with investors seeking existing opportunities in the region. The brick walled and iron sheet-roofed structures are said to have been put up in Lokichar, Kalimngorok, Kainuk Lokori and Katilu areas.

Local News – 6.10.13 - By Mary Tioko - Faith without Action is dead: Bishop Warns Christians.

The faithfuls of St. Augustine's cathedral Church have been warned today to keep their light of faith burning or else will be deemed dead. Speaking during his homily on the 27^th Sunday, his lordship Dominic Kimengich said that faith without action is dead and Christians should en kindle the light of faith so as to withstand the temptations of the evil one.

Bishop Kimengich said that many troubles faced by the people can only be defeated by prayer for prayer changes things, for nothing is impossible before God. He encouraged the Christians to let the sacraments of penance and Eucharist to increase their faith in Jesus Christ. Giving the faithfuls papal greetings from Rome, He said that  Pope Francis the first encouraged them to pray for him as he prays for them in Rome that their faith may be strong.

His lordship added that Pope Francis the 1^st  said that prayer can soften the hearts of those fighting in Syria to calm the Country so as peace may prevail. He urged them to dwell in prayer to bring changes in their families and the world at large. His lordship encouraged them to contribute generously towards  the upcoming family day in December to enable the Diocese be self reliant and be able to provide for the spiritual leaders in the Diocese.

Local news - by ken simiyu - 9.10.2013 - CENTER FOR BRITISH TEACHERS EDUCATION TRUST WAS LAUNCHED TODAY AT ST TERESA.

The girl child in Turkana Community has been neglected for many years and now they have reason to smile after the Launching of new project at St Teresa Pastoral center that will promote the girl child Education. The project  which is known as  Wasichana Wote Wasome [W W W] is funded by UK AID government  and it is aimed at promoting Education of girl child, Increase enrollment of girls in school and also to Improve the outcomes of both girls and boys within the school. Manager of the new project which is known as Center for British Teachers Education Trustee Mr Alex masibo said that they are covering five hundred schools in Kenya and mainly in Arid, semi-Arid and slams.He also said that they are dealing with eight counties which Includes Tana River, Kwale, Kilifi, Marsabit, Samburu, Nairobi, Mombasa and Turkana county. The manager said that  56 schools in Turkana county will benefit from the new project and the most targeted sub counties are Turkana south, Loima and East which are believed to have critical and gender disparities in Education where by the Ratio of boys to girls vary. The meeting was opened by the governor of Turkana county Hon Josephat Nanok who said that they will cooperate to promote education of girl child, those who was present was Leaders of Education in Turkana county and NGOs like merlin CBOs and other stake holders.

Local news - by ken Simiyu - 15.10.2013 - Celebration of global hand washing in kanamkemer primary

The global hand washing Day was commemorated today and in Turkana County The occasion was held at Kanamkemer primary school. Turkana Medical officer of Health Dr. Joseph Epem who was chief guest asked the local residents to practice hand washing as away to improve primary health and reduce the preference of communicable diseases

Dr. Epem,said the theme of the day “power is in your hands ' is appropriate because we use our hands

to everything including:greetings,eating,using the toilet and even reading.

The DMOH said  sometimes the Turkana people  take hand  washing for granted and some even say they washed their hands the day before, so they assume to be clean. He said the ministry of health has identified  strategy a away to involve the community in taking responsibility for their own health by ensuring they stay in a clean environment. The hand washing occasion was sponsored jointly by other partners Including APHIA Plus Imarisha, IRC, Dioceses of Lodwar, Unicef among others. Pupils from Kanamkemer primary, Erait Academy, and Napuu presented various items whose theme was to educate the community on the Importance of sanitation.