The Turkana government has welcomed a plan by the national government to establish a military base in Kapedo, saying the move will strengthen security and unlock development in a region plagued by banditry.
Deputy Governor John Erus said the military base will accelerate the reclassification of Kapedo as a secure area, paving the way for increased government investment and development interventions by partners.
He said Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai’s administration was working closely with security agencies and neighbouring counties to eliminate banditry and restore lasting peace across the North Rift.
Erus, however, warned that Turkana and five other counties in the region risk losing investments from both state and non-state actors if insecurity persist.
He spoke in Lodwar during a meeting with the Operations Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) North Rift Sports for Peace Initiative team.
Despite efforts by various stakeholders, Erus said the region continues to lag behind because of persistent insecurity, calling for greater collaboration among all actors.
“As we confront the insecurity challenge in the region, our hope remains in the input and interventions of all relevant agencies in creating opportunities for communities to play, talk and engage on matters of peace building,” he said.
He urged constitutional commissions, development partners and civil society organisations to support peace initiatives through funding, particularly those that use sports as a tool for reconciliation.
Erus also called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to strengthen its presence in the region and support communities in rebuilding structures and systems that promote harmony.
He reaffirmed the county government’s support for the upcoming Turkana Peace Actors Forum (TPAF), organised under the OMU initiative. The forum brings together stakeholders involved in peace-building.
It will be held at Tot in Elgeyo Marakwet county from August 17 to 23 and will, for the first time since 2023, include participants from Turkana, Laikipia, Meru, Isiolo and Marsabit counties.
OMU team chairman Job Mwetich said the initiative has mapped insecurity hotspots and is working closely with local communities to “silence the gun” through sports.
In Turkana, he said, five teams from Lokori, Suguta, Kainuk and other areas affected by cattle rustling and insecurity will take part in the programme.
Mwetich said this year’s event has expanded beyond football to include volleyball, athletics and cultural dance competitions as part of efforts to deepen community engagement and promote peaceful coexistence.
The meeting also discussed strengthening collaboration with sports authorities, event logistics, greater involvement of political leaders, leveraging existing peace-building initiatives and integrating peace into the broader development agenda.
