DG Erus Urges Youth to Champion Turkana’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism Potential 

Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has called upon the youth of Turkana to actively promote and preserve the region’s rich cultural and tourism assets.

Speaking at the 6th National Youth Workshop on Culture and Heritage at the Loropio ICT Campus, Dr. Erus underscored the crucial role of youth as ambassadors of Turkana’s heritage.

Dr. Erus highlighted the county’s commitment to fostering tourism through an annual series of events designed to showcase Turkana’s cultural wealth.

“Every year we host the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, also called Tobong’ulore, the Lokiriama Peace Accord, and the Ata Nayece festivals. You can seize the opportunity to invite participants or contribute by taking part in such events,” he said.

The DG encouraged the youth to engage in heritage conservation, emphasizing the importance of developing a sense of responsibility and stewardship over Turkana’s cultural assets.

He announced the collaboration between Turkana County Government and UNESCO to document Edon’gaa as an intangible cultural heritage asset through the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

The workshop provides a comprehensive knowledge exchange program facilitated by UNESCO, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) through lectures and discussions aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage.

Archaeological experts emphasize Turkana’s significance as the cradle of mankind, citing evidence of the earliest human existence at Nariokotome in Turkana North.

Audan Leah Lokaala (CECM, Tourism), Cecilia Majuma (CCO, Tourism), and Boniface Korobe (Director, Culture Heritage and Arts) were present.

“Every year we host the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, also called Tobong’ulore, the Lokiriama Peace Accord, and the Ata Nayece festivals. You (Youths) can seize the opportunity to invite participants or contribute by taking part.” — Dr. John Erus, Deputy Governor of Turkana.