Turkana Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has warned that Turkana and five other counties in the North Rift region risk missing out on critical investments from both government and development partners if persistent insecurity and conflict are not addressed.
Speaking during a meeting with the Operations Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) North Rift Sports for Peace Initiative team in Lodwar, Dr. Erus said insecurity continues to undermine development efforts and discourage investment across the region.
He noted that despite interventions by government agencies, development partners and local communities, the region still faces recurring challenges related to cattle rustling, inter-community conflicts and insecurity.
Call for Greater Support for Peace Initiatives
Dr. Erus called on constitutional commissions, development partners and civil society organizations to actively support and fund peace-building programmes, particularly those that use sports as a tool for fostering unity and reconciliation.
“As we confront the peace and insecurity challenge in the region, our hope remains in the input and interventions of bodies such as NCIC and other agencies in creating opportunities for communities to play, talk and engage on matters peace building,” he said.
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The Deputy Governor pledged to present the upcoming OMU Sports for Peace Initiative to the Turkana Peace Actors Forum (TPAF) for discussion and possible support from development partners involved in peace-building efforts.
Regional Sports for Peace Event
Dr. Erus welcomed the inclusion of Turkana in this year’s Sports for Peace tournament, which will be held at Tot in Elgeyo Marakwet County from August 17 to August 23, 2026.
The event will bring together participants from Turkana, Laikipia, Meru, Isiolo, Marsabit and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, marking the first time the additional counties have been included since the inaugural tournament was held in Chemolingot, Baringo County, in 2023.
Support for Proposed Kapedo Military Base
The Deputy Governor also reiterated Turkana County’s support for the proposed establishment of a military base in Kapedo, saying it would enhance security and accelerate the area’s transformation into a stable and investment-friendly zone.
According to Dr. Erus, improved security would encourage government agencies and development partners to expand their operations and investments in the area.
Sports as a Tool for Peace Building
OMU Initiative Chairperson Job Mwetich said the programme has identified insecurity hotspots and is working closely with local communities to promote peaceful coexistence through sports.
“In Turkana, we would wish to have five teams drawn from Lokori, Suguta, Kainuk and other pockets that have suffered the brunt of cattle rustling, insecurity and lack of peace,” he said.
Mwetich added that this year’s event will feature football, volleyball, athletics and cultural dance competitions as part of efforts to strengthen community engagement and social cohesion.
The meeting also discussed event logistics, collaboration with sports authorities, leadership participation, integration of existing peace-building initiatives and the mainstreaming of peace into regional development programmes.
Among those present were Deputy Director of Sports Jackson Nakusa, Assistant Director for Peace Ebongon Lomongin, Principal Administrator in the Office of the Deputy Governor Jerry Ekimwormwor, and representatives from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), and Elgeyo Marakwet County Government.
