TURKANA: OF OIL, WATER, BILLIONS, POVERTY AND TATTERED ROADS

             Turkana County has "come out" positively this year thanks to the discovery of oil in the barren plains of Lokichar, disbursement of billions of shillings through the CDF and the county government and the finding that Turkana people sleep in pools of water. This is one side of the story.

             Then there is this other story of poverty, illiteracy and tattered roads. This, I guess, is what has propelled Turkana to become the mother of all problems. It is a story that demands a rethink. It is a story that puts the current leadership at crossroad. It is a point of no return for all stakeholders.

             But there is something interesting in these two narratives. The point is that one is a problem and the other is a perfect solution. It looks like a divine quiz put before the leadership of this vast county. The unfolding of events points to a bright future. It is indicative of a thinking leadership. But alot need to be done in order to reach "Canaan". Hard nuts must be cracked and edible fruit harvested for the people to start swimming in the cool waters of happiness.

             This, therefore, calls for action - yes, change-provoking actions. Such actions are with the people themselves. The people have all the answers. What they need is just a little "push". This “push” must descend from Lodwar. 

              Here are some ideas: Purchase low cost mobile water drilling machines and deploy them to the people. Drill as many boreholes as possible and send this water scarcity problem to museums. Kibwezi West constituency has done this and succeeded in bringing this precious commodity to the masses. It is as simple as eating ugali. Do it NOW!

               Secondly, meaningful development is anchored on liberating education. I'm not talking of degrees and such kind of things. I'm talking of thought-provoking education. Our mamas are thirsty of this liberating knowledge. Provide them with business skills. Show them the way and they will reach the destination by themselves. This doesn't demand much. Just the WILL to save others!

               Thirdly, plenty of water means the need to venture in agriculture. Push Lodwar based bureaucrats to the ground to provide the people with extension services. This is how you kill dependency on relief foods. Bumper harvests will automatically translate to hunger for markets and good roads. Fix these two and your work will be done. And we shall say: IT'S DONE MR GOVERNOR!