The County Government of Turkana has launched a comprehensive public sensitisation campaign aimed at preparing communities for the planned upgrade of several localities to formal urban status in the coming years.
The initiative began in Lorgum, where a delegation led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning, and Urban Areas Management met with residents to discuss the town’s growth potential and ongoing efforts to transition it into an urban centre systematically.
As part of the awareness drive, more than 300 trees were planted across key institutions, including Lorugum Centre, Lugogo and Kospir primary schools, and the Lorugum Technical Training Institute, a move officials said aligns with the county’s vision for greener, more livable urban spaces.
“This is an initiative we are jointly undertaking with the State Department of Public Works, with support from the World Bank. It is part of our efforts to ensure that areas qualifying for urban status realise planned and sustainable development moving forward,” the CECM said, emphasising the importance of community participation in shaping future towns.
Turkana County has identified eleven locations that meet the criteria for urban designation, among them Lorugum, Lokichar, Lokori, and Lokitaung, as well as several sub-county headquarters.
The sensitisation forums are designed to help residents understand what urban status entails, the opportunities it brings, and the responsibilities required to maintain orderly development.
The CECM urged residents, particularly the youth, to adopt tree planting and actively engage in discussions aimed at improving the livability and environmental resilience of emerging urban centres.
The team accompanying the CECM included Chief Officers Peter Lomorukai (Urban Areas Management) and Leah Losiru (Lands and Physical Planning). The exercise was hosted by Loima Sub-County Administrator, Jackson Apenyu, and attended by the Director for Urban Areas along with staff from various county departments.
The sensitization drive is expected to continue across all earmarked locations as Turkana County lays the groundwork for structured, sustainable, and community-driven urban growth.