Earth Movers draw against Sub Marine FC of Nakwamekwi at prison ground on 20.01.2014

The friendly Match which attracted many fans from different places of Lodwar Town ended in a draw of 3 goals to 3 Earth Movers scored their first goal in 5^th minutes the goal which was scored by steven  Ekusi was canceled by the Sub -Marine striker after 10 minutes.

The game ended 2-1 during the first half but in the second half both teams looked dangerous in each team's box, Sub-marine equalized after the cross which was taken by one of their winger and found Mosese  Natina [Rooney] who waste no time to make 2-2 the 3nrd Goal of Earth Movers was scored by Hero then sub-marine also equalized to make 3-3 in the 80 minutes.  Following yesterday's game marked the 4^th game of sub-marine winning one drew 2 and lost one.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT IS PARAMOUNT, SAID TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL KENYA ON 16.01.2014

The Transparency International Kenya is committed to building the capacity of citizens at both National and county Level. Addressing the participants at a workshop today at St. Teresa's Pastoral center Lodwar, The coordinator of Transparency International Kenya Mr. Caleb Mbaluka said that citizens need to understand well how the devolved Government is working and be educated on the new bills that allow citizens to know every details and steps taken in the County. Mr. Mbaluka however added that it is the citizen's right to monitor development in the county so as to help in growth of the county especially the marginalized counties such as Wajir, West Pokot and Turkana county as well. He added that their main aim is to create integrated system for complains and strengthen the voice of people in the county. He also added that the forum offers single entry point for people to report any concerns or grievances that they may have regarding past events regardless of his or her position in the County Government. In the forum they were also stake holders such as LOKADO, TUWADO, Dioceses of Lodwar through Justices and peace office and nominated member of county assembly Hon. Margaret Loduk. Hon. Loduk appreciated the Transparency International Team for coming up with the idea of checking up on the county government which has been lacking for a long time. She added that citizen participation is an Important Element to create awareness to Turkana community which has been left behind in development for a long time. Hon. Loduk urged the team to create enough time to educate the citizen because this is the new programme and challenging therefore needs a lot of time. Hon. Loduk also urged the citizen to use this opportunity to understand more on the new bills that govern them.

HEALTH OFICERS CAPACITY BUILDING IN TURKANA COUNTY ON EMERGENCY CASES ON 17.01.2014

Health workers from 7 sub-counties in Turkana County finished their one week training at Sasame guest house in Lodwar Town on early preparedness on Emergencies. Speaking during the training the In charge of Ambulance Mrs Susan Otieno said that health Officers who heads all health centers and Hospitals in the entire Turkana county were being trained on how to deal with Emergencies in the county. However she said that in Turkana County there are many Emergency cases such as Raids, floods drought and many other accidents that occurs every now and then. She therefore added that the health officers will Extend the training to the citizen because the citizen are the first people to encounters Incidents before the health workers so they should receive information to help the victims before they are taken to hospital. The programme was funded by UNICEF through Merlin who always supports venerable people in the community and collaborated by National Government and also county government.

Turkana Leads Counties in Improving health and Education in its budgetary allocations.

The 2 billion Kenya shillings out of 8.5billion shillings within the 9 months in devolution Government period has put Turkana  County leading in funds disbursed by the National Governments. Speaking to Reporters today morning in his office, His Excellency Deputy Governor Hon. Peter Ekai Lokoel said that health and Education ministries have received enough allocation in the county Budget and explained that Lodwar District Hospital will receive 190 million shillings for its upgrading to level 5 hospital. His Excellency said that 35 more health centers will be set up to improve access to health services. He also noted that the already existing dispensaries can also be renovated and upgraded to health centers. He added that 10 Ambulances will be dispatched soon to all the 7 sub-counties and 3 to be assigned to Lodwar District hospital for Backups purposes. He also added that 300 positions for Medics will be advertised February next month. Hon. Ekai said that 60 Early Childhood Education Centers will be initiated and 150 teachers will be employed. The Deputy also confirmed that the county Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) is almost ready and will be launched and dispatched to partners and stakeholders who will partner in the implementation of the (CIDP) within the County. In the cash flow within the National and County government, the executive finance minister Hon. Paul Nabuin said that the process of cash flow from National government to County government is a slow process. Hon. Nabuin added that the bureaucracy has hampered realization of development noting that it is hard to tell when funds are released to the counties.

Tension gripped Lokwamusing village, Turkana East sub- county following recent raids that claimed one life and thousands of livestock stolen on 9.01.2014

 Turkana East Member of Parliament, Nicholas Ng’ikor held a meeting with security agencies to ensure the livestock is recovered following suspected Pokot raiders.Speaking during the public baraza in Lokwamosing village, Ng’ikor said the area has inadequate officers who cannot stop the armed bandits.  Ngikor called for deployment of more security officers to stop future raids. However he said that they cannot blame the security officers because they are very few to handle the mass of bandits. Victims fled their homes after bandits suspected to be from Pokot barricading the locals in the   villages killing one man and made away with hundreds of livestock. Ekal Longalan was killed on the January 1, raid and another person injured who has since been rushed to Lodwar  District Hospital for treatment. The MP of Turkana East said that the government must stop addressing raids as cultural practice but as robbery with violence because that is what it is.Locals are now calling on the government to urgently step up efforts to recover hundreds of livestock stolen last week. They said the raids have led to high poverty in the community saying some families have no alternative source of livelihood.

Local news - 12.1.14 - By Mary Tioko - The Sacrament of Baptism is vital to all those who claim to be the followers of Christ. Priest says

Fr. Concord Akimana has told the Christian that they cannot call themselves followers of Christ if they are not baptized. He said this today while celebrating the last Sunday mass of Christmas  season  at St. Augustine's Cathedral church as they enter other  liturgical season of the catholic church. Fr. Concord reminded the faithful that as they start liturgical year today, they should be aware that the baptism of Christ reminds them that during their baptism they have been made children of God and that they should bring everyone in their midst to be baptized in order to be worthy to receive the other blessings and sacraments of the catholic church. He warned them that they cannot claim to be cleansed by the holy water without being baptized. Referring to those who usually go for blessings in church, he informed them that unless they accept to be baptized and be Christians they cannot be receiving these blessings if they do not belief. He emphasized on the importance of receiving the sacraments which nourish their soul like that of Eucharist.Fr. Concord warned those who receive the Holy Communion without preparing themselves in the sacrament of penance that they receive their own judgment. He challenged the Christians to reflect on how the sacrament of baptism helps them in their day to day lives. He urged them to follow the laws of the  church and bring up their children in God's instructions.