Governor Lomorukai tells NGOs in Kakuma to hire 70 per cent local workers

Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has insisted that non-governmental organisations in the region must hire at least 70 per cent of their workforce from the locals as stipulated by law.

He made these remarks during the burial ceremony of Mama Moruong’or Losike, the mother of Water CEC Patrick Losike, in Kakuma in May 2025.

Lomorukai emphasised the importance of development partners prioritising local communities for employment and procurement opportunities.

“We’ve empowered our youth more than ever before, and it’s time our development partners also do their part. The law must be respected,” he asserted.

However, his remarks have been met with mixed reactions, with many residents expressing frustration over what they perceive as repeated promises without significant results.

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“We’ve heard this same pledge many times whenever the governor visits Kakuma,” said Mary Emuria, a resident still struggling to find employment.

“But when you go to NGO offices, most of the staff are from outside. We’re not seeing any impact on the ground.”

James Ekuwom, a boda boda rider in Kakuma 3, added, “We’re tired of political speeches. Youth are still jobless. We need employment, not empty talk.”

Members of the County Assembly also voiced their concerns.

Turkana South MCA, who spoke with The Standard via phone, acknowledged that the County Assembly passed the Local Content Bill into law last year but criticised the executive for failing to implement it.

“Passing a law is one thing, but enforcement is another,” he stated. “No regulations have been put in place, and the county government hasn’t followed up. Right now, it’s just talk with no substance.”

NGO representatives, speaking anonymously, expressed their willingness to hire locals but noted the lack of clear guidance from the county government.

“We want to do things right, but there’s no direction. Without official guidelines, we don’t know if we are in compliance or not,” one NGO staff member admitted.

Muna Abdi, a nominated MCA from Lokichogio, urged Governor Lomorukai to closely monitor the employment practices of agencies like UNHCR.

She highlighted concerns from residents that locals are often the first to be laid off during staff reductions.

“When downsizing happens, it’s often the locals who are let go while outsiders remain,” she said. “That’s not fair, and it sends the wrong message.”

Questions have also been raised about why the governor chose to make this announcement in Kakuma, with some arguing that the Local Content Law should apply countywide.

“It’s good to enforce the law, but why focus on it only in Turkana West?” questioned Dr Charles Malcom, a senior resident of Turkana South. “Leadership should be inclusive and county-wide, not selective or politically motivated.”

Civil society member Mr Sammy Erot Lokiru is now calling on the county government to publish a comprehensive report detailing NGO compliance with the local content law.

He is also advocating for the immediate development of implementation guidelines.

“If the government is serious, they need to go beyond mere talk,” said Erot, a youth advocate based in Kalobeyei. “We need transparency, data, and real accountability. The law is only meaningful when it is enforced.”

With political tensions rising ahead of the 2027 elections, the pressure is mounting on Governor Lomorukai to turn his words into action or risk losing the confidence of the very communities he claims to serve.