Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has been honoured in Paris with the “People’s Choice Governor’s Award for Excellence in Social Welfare”.
The award was presented during a ceremony convened by the European-Anglo African Business Council (EAAIBC), which recognized leaders from Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt for outstanding contributions in governance, economic transformation, infrastructure, and leadership.
Other Kenyan governors honoured included Fernandez Barasa (Kakamega), Kimani wa Matangi (Kiambu), Nadhif Jama (Garissa), and Mohammed Adan Khalif (Mandera).
Governor Lomorukai was recognized for his leadership in tackling water scarcity in one of Kenya’s driest counties, where his administration has expanded access to clean and safe water for pastoralist communities, refugees, and institutions across Turkana.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Lomorukai noted that his government had drilled and equipped more than 100 boreholes, increasing water access by over 10 percent.
“In accepting this award, we are aware that our efforts have eased the daily struggles of water access for pastoralists. It has restored dignity to thousands of households who previously walked long distances in search of water. I sincerely appreciate this recognition,” he said.
He added that his administration was moving beyond access to address water quality, citing the establishment of Turkana’s first water quality laboratory and the introduction of independent reverse osmosis plants to deal with salinity.
“We are working with partners to ensure that all our communities benefit from reverse osmosis plants, defluoridation facilities, and other quality interventions. These initiatives are geared towards resilience, sustainability, and safety,” the Governor explained.
The award also highlighted Turkana’s innovative service delivery models, Gava Mashinani and Kimormor, which bring services directly to communities through outreach programs.
According to the Governor, the models have helped map new water points, drill boreholes, and repair existing facilities for sustainable use.
“Innovations like Kimormor have enabled people-driven and culture-responsive interventions. Communities are placed at the centre of priority setting, addressing quality concerns, and co-developing solutions,” he said.
Looking ahead, Governor Lomorukai announced plans to develop a multi-billion-shilling dam along the Tarach River to address both humanitarian and host community water needs.
“Turkana is one of Kenya’s largest refugee-hosting counties. While refugee support is largely a national government and humanitarian mandate, the Shirika Plan places responsibilities on counties as well. We are committed to completing the Tarach project to tackle the water challenge,” he said.
The Governor dedicated the award to the people of Turkana and reaffirmed his administration’s pledge to deepen partnerships that will ensure universal access to clean, safe, and sustainable water.
