Turkana County and prominent people

Facts About Turkana County

Turkana County is located in north western Kenya bordering Marsabit county to the east, Samburu county to the south east, and Baringo and West Pokot county to the south, to the South-west.
Area (Km 2): 68,680.3 Km 2
Climate/Weather: Warm and hot climate, unreliable rainfall pattern ranging between 300mm and 400mm per annum
Road Network: Bitumen Surface (319.2 Km), Gravel Surface (296.7 Km), Earth Surface (2030.5 Km)
Key National Monument(s): Lake Turkana National Park
——————
POPULATION
Population: 855,399 (Male – 52 %, Female – 48 %)
Population Density: 6.9 people per Km 2
National Percentage: 2.2 %
Annual Growth Rate: Not Available
Age Distribution: 0-14 years (46.0%), 15-64 years (51.6 %), 65+ years (2.4%)
Number of Households: 123,192
———————-
GOVERNMENT
County Capital: Lodwar Town (proposed)
Number of Constituencies (2010): 3 (Turkana North, Turkana Central, and Turkana South)
Registered Voters: 116,816
National percentage: 1.0 %
Number of Districts (2009): 6 (Turkana Central, Turkana North, Turkana South, Turkana West, Turkana East, Loima)
Number of Local Authorities (2010): 2 (Municipal council of Lodwar, County Council of Turkana)
———————
ECONOMICS
Poverty Level: 95% of population live below poverty line
Age Dependency Ratio: 89.4
Resources: Natural (gemstones and saltlicks, gold – dormant, wildlife, Lake Turkana, Turkwell Dam)
Tourist Attractions: Lake Turkana National Park, Loiyangalani Desert Museum
Financial Services: 3 Commercial Banks, 2 Micro-finance Institutions
Main Economic Activities/industries: Livestock farming and trade, fishing, weaving, and tourism
Agricultural products: Sorghum, Maize
———————-
EDUCATION

Number of Institutions (2007): Primary (202), Secondary (19)
Primary: Enrolment (122,883)
Teacher to Pupil Ratio: 1: 51
Secondary: Enrolment (48,004)
Teacher to Pupil Ratio: 1: 27.7 (Public Schools)
Tertiary: At least 2 Institutions
Adult Literacy Classes: Enrolment (562)
———————-
HEALTH
Health Facilities: District Hospitals (3), Sub-District Hospitals (2), Dispensaries (91), Health Centres (6), Medical Clinics (19), Health Programs (3) Others (3)
Doctor to Population Ratio: 1:52,434
Infant Mortality Rates: 60/1000
Under Five Mortality Rates: 12/1000
Prevalent Diseases: Malnutrition
Notable Hospitals: Lodwar, Katilu, and Lokitaung District Hospitals

Prominent People from Turukana county.

Pauline Akai Lokuruka … holds an MA in International Development from Cornell University, USA, and currently lectures at the Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies at Egerton University.
Related Stories

• Sons and daughters

A Bachelor of Education graduate of the University of Nairobi, Ms Lokuruka has more than 20 years’ experience and involvement in women’s and girls’ development and education and is a board member of various learning institution and state corporations.
Joyce Akai Emanikor … is chairwoman of the Kerio Valley Development Authority and has been instrumental in championing for educational rights of Turkana children, especially girls, and for beating poverty through work.
Ms Emanikor, who is experienced in social policy analysis and training for empowerment is undertaking a doctorate in environmental planning and management at Moi University, Eldoret.
Christopher Nekuleu … a former member of the East African Community Legislative Assembly from the Turkana North area, is a graduate of Moi University and a former teacher.
He has championed the rights of Turkana people, particularly in the accountability of public funding in their behalf (for example use of Constituency Development Fund) before being appointed to the assembly.
Samson Akoru … general secretary of the Reformed Church of East Africa, whose headquarters is in Eldoret, is respected among the Turkana for helping to broker peace with the Pokot.
The Rev Akoru, from Turkana South, has also been at the forefront of the fight against poverty and illiteracy and of irrigation in the Kainuk area, and in arguing for equal education opportunities.
Daniel Nanok … served as a principal of Lodwar High school before entering politics. He contested Turkana North in 2007 but lost to Mr Munyes and is now advocating transparency in using CDF cash, and championing education and poverty eradication.
Ekuru Aukot … the lawyer was a member of the Committee of Experts on the new Constitution and one of the most respected Turkana professionals. He has also served as director of Kituo Cha Sheria.
Patrick Nachok … began his footballing career in Kitale before joining Eldoret KCC and finally the national team, Harambee stars. A computer expert, his ambition is to run football in Kenya.
Joseph Kalei … the renowned marathon runner joined athletics having looked after livestock and has become a role model to Turkana youth.
Paul Ereng … is a former 800 metres champion who was among the first Turkana to take up athletics and is now a noted coach.
Joseph Ebuya … is another athlete who encourages Turkana youths to take up sport. He won last year’s world cross country championships.