Turkana to Take Over Multi-Billion Shilling KeNHA Projects as County Eyes Major Development Boost
Lodwar, May 6, 2025 – The Turkana County Government is set to take over 25 newly completed socio-economic infrastructure projects worth more than KSh 2 billion from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). The projects were implemented under the World Bank-funded Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project (EARTTDFP).
The initiative, which also delivered major national works including the Kainuk Bridge, the Lokichar–Lodwar–Nadapal Highway, and fibre optic connectivity from Eldoret to Nadapal, features an expansive package of community infrastructure across Turkana. The developments cover key sectors such as health, education, water, sanitation, ICT, security, transport, and trade.
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus, speaking during a joint inspection meeting between county officials and a KeNHA team, described the milestone as a transformative step for the region.
These projects are not just facilities—they are instruments of change, Dr. Erus said.
From maternity wings and laboratories to ECDE centres, a teacher training college, ICT hubs, boreholes, and truck bays, everything has been built to high standards and will significantly improve service delivery.
He noted that decades of poor road infrastructure had contributed to insecurity and isolation in Turkana, hindering access to essential services.
This investment addresses historical marginalization. It opens up the region, supports peace, and strengthens trade and prosperity.
The inspection team was led by Eng. Gilbert Arasa, Deputy Engineer for Roads at the State Department of Roads, alongside representatives from various national agencies. The visit follows a similar takeover process recently completed in West Pokot.
Most of the projects lie along the strategic highway corridor from Lokichar to Nadapal, with additional facilities extending into remote interior areas. Community participation played a key role, especially in land acquisition processes, given Turkana’s predominantly communal land ownership structure.
Dr. Erus praised the Office of the County Attorney for guiding the process through legal frameworks that enabled smooth community consent. He further revealed that formal land titling is underway across the county to ease future development initiatives.
Ahead of the official handover, the county government and national institutions receiving the projects have committed to deploying staff, enhancing security, and ensuring that the new facilities are connected to utilities.
KeNHA also pledged to build the capacity of local technical personnel, including electrical maintenance teams, to support the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.
Senior officials present included Acting County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a, Deputy County Secretary Dr. Albert Gamoe, County Attorney Ruth Emanikor, Chief Officer for Economic Planning Samwel Ekaale, and Advisor to the Governor Amb. Richard Ekai.
After the briefing, the delegation commenced a multi-site inspection tour across Turkana South and East, joined by Chief Officer for Livestock Development Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel and other senior county officials.