Month: September 2024

Turkana County is home to one of Kenya’s most distinct ethnic groups, the Turkana people. Known for their resilience, deep-rooted traditions, and rich heritage, they have maintained a unique cultural identity for generations. Celebrating this legacy, the annual Turkana Cultural Festival, also called Tobong’u Lore, has become one of Kenya’s most anticipated events, drawing attendees from around the world to Lodwar. This festival showcases Turkana customs, music, dance, and art while promoting peace and unity across diverse communities in the region.
On October 24th –26th , 2024, Turkana County held its 8th Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, Tobong’u Lore, themed “Celebrating our culture to promote tourism, peaceful coexistence, and climate resilience for sustainable development.” The event was attended by President William Ruto, Chair Council of Governors (CoG) H.E. Ahmed Abdullahi, CoG Vice Chair H.E. Mutahi Kahiga, Host Governor H.E. Jeremiah Lomorukai, and other dignitaries.
During the event, President Ruto declared the festival a global event, encouraging international tourists to visit Kenya visa-free. He highlighted the region’s history as the site of some of humanity’s oldest settlements and encouraged all attendees to slot deposit pulsa embrace the spirit of unity and respect for shared heritage.
“Thousands of years ago, this was humanity’s first home. Today, it hosts vibrant cultural activities, connecting Kenya’s communities and linking Kenya and Africa to the world,” Ruto stated. He added that Tobong’u Lore allows visitors to experience Kenya’s cultural richness, raising the region’s profile on the global tourism map.
Host Governor Lomorukai extended a warm invitation to the world, describing Turkana as the “cradle of humankind” after the 1.6-million-year-old remains of the Turkana Boy were discovered here. “The event offers not only a celebration of the Turkana community’s heritage but also economic opportunities for locals,” Lomorukai noted.
The attending governors urged the national government to promote cultural tourism in all regions, enhancing traditional tourism alongside coastal and safari attractions. Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi emphasized that Tobong’u Lore attracts similar language-speaking communities from neighboring East African countries, underscoring its potential for international unity.
“The festival unites communities affected by climate change, fostering peaceful coexistence that helps them share scarce resources across borders,” Abdullahi stated.
Governors also called for regional unity, stressing that peaceful coexistence improves living standards, while conflict only leads to poverty and hunger. The Turkana Cultural Festival, therefore, holds promise as a beacon of tourism and cultural celebration, enhancing Turkana’s regional and international appeal.
Far beyond dance and art, the Turkana Cultural Festival serves as a convergence point for communities seeking unity and understanding. Set against Turkana’s resilient landscape, it reminds Kenyans and visitors alike of the value of cultural preservation and peaceful co-existence. As it grows, the festival exemplifies how heritage, when honored and shared, fosters harmony, bridges divide, and drives sustainable development.

A two-day consultative meeting between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the Council of Governors (COG) concluded on October 29, 2024, in Mombasa with a renewed commitment to advancing Kenya’s agricultural sector. Led by COG Chair H.E. FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja, the meeting brought together County Governors and National Government representatives to enhance collaboration on crucial agricultural challenges. The event produced a 17-point communique designed to tackle issues like food security, input distribution, and policy harmonization.
In his address, CoG Chair emphasized the vital role of agriculture in Kenya’s economy, which contributes 27% to GDP and is a major employer. “This forum is a unique opportunity for the National and County Governments to come together and discuss ways of supporting our agriculture sector,” he stated. Governor Abdullahi highlighted the need for intergovernmental cooperation to implement transformative programs like the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed at sustainable food security.
One key resolution was the regular use of the Joint Agriculture Sector Consultation and Cooperative Mechanism (JASCCOM) to unify efforts between the Ministry and CoG. Through JASCCOM, County and National Governments will address agricultural challenges, foster consistent communication and alignment across all levels.
The Ministry and CoG also resolved to devolve the slot deposit pulsa procurement and distribution of subsidized fertilizer to counties by the 2025/26 fiscal year. Governor Ahmed Abdullahi advocated for this shift, arguing, “Fertilizer programs should be a devolved function, as counties are best positioned to understand and meet the specific needs of their farmers.” Counties will receive resources as conditional grants, allowing them to streamline input distribution and ensure timely delivery.
The Ministry pledged to support livestock programs by facilitating counties to implement initiatives such as feedlots, milk coolers, and enhanced disease control measures. H.E. Rt. Hon. Ken Lusaka, Chair of the CoG Agriculture Committee, emphasized the need for a collaborative framework for livestock programs, stating, “An agreed framework for implementing livestock programs will foster synergy, ensuring counties and the Ministry work seamlessly to boost productivity and improve farmers’ income.”
Recognizing the challenge posed by excessive subdivision of farmland, stakeholders prioritized the creation of a National Policy on Land Subdivision, intended to preserve agricultural land and enhance food security. The Ministry and CoG also agreed to enforce potato packaging standards, promoting fair trade practices across the value chain.
To further align with BETA’s goals, the meeting supported the agripreneur model, which encourages youth involvement in agriculture through entrepreneurial opportunities. Dr. Karanja highlighted the importance of extension services, urging counties to use innovative approaches to modernize farming and engage the youth.
Additionally, participants agreed to integrate BETA targets into County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), ensuring that each county has specific goals aligned with national priorities. CoG Chair noted, “This integration will allow us to maximize impact, reduce duplication, and create a more resilient agricultural sector.”
The meeting ended with a strong sense of commitment to action. Agriculture CS affirmed the Ministry’s dedication to providing the necessary support to counties, and regular follow-up meetings will be held to ensure these resolutions are implemented. This collaboration sets a clear path toward a more robust and sustainable agricultural sector in Kenya, a vital step toward securing food security and economic growth.