Turkana County

County in Kenya

Turkana County

County

Flag

Coat of arms

Location of Turkana County (red) including the disputed Elemi Triangle (diagonally striped red)

Coordinates: 3°09′N 35°21′E﻿ / ﻿3.150°N 35.350°E﻿ / 3.150; 35.350
Country|  Kenya
Formed| 4 March 2013
Capital| Lodwar
Government

• Governor| Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai Napotikan
Area

• Total

| 70,512 km2 (27,225 sq mi)
• Land| 68,232.9 km2 (26,344.9 sq mi)
• Water| 2,279 km2 (880 sq mi)
Elevation

| 1,138 m (3,734 ft)
Population

(2024)

• Total

| 997,976
• Density| 14/km2 (37/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)

• Total|  $2.996 billion (30th)(2022)[1]
• Per Capita|  $3,005 (2022) (38th)
GDP (NOMINAL)

• Total|  $1.100 billion (2022) (30th)
• Per Capita|  1,103 (2022) (38th)
Time zone| UTC+3 (EAT)
Website| www.turkana.go.ke

Turkana County is a county in the former Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It is home to the Turkana people. It is Kenya's largest county by land area of 77,597.8 km2 followed by Marsabit County with an area of 66,923.1 km2. It is bordered by the countries of Uganda to the west; South Sudan and Ethiopia, including the disputed Ilemi Triangle, to the north and northeast; and Lake Turkana to the east. To the south and east, neighbouring counties in Kenya are West Pokot, Baringo and Samburu Counties, while Marsabit County is on the opposite (i.e. eastern) shore of Lake Turkana. Turkana's capital and largest town is Lodwar. The county had a population of 926,976 according to the 2019 census report. It is projected to reach 1.048M people in 2024 [2] [3]

## History

[edit]

Four sites of Stone Age cultures are situated upon tributaries along the west side of Lake Turkana in West Turkana; at Lokalalei, Kokiselei and Nadungu, and became of interest to archaeology beginning sometime during 1988.[4][5][6]

The earliest late Stone Age industries in prehistory were found in Turkana, at the site of Lomekwi, and date to 3,300,000 years.[7][8] At the archaeological site of Nataruk, in Southwest Turkana, scientists have discovered the oldest evidence of inter-group conflict in the past, establishing that warfare occurred between groups of hunter-gatherers.[9]

From 1900 until 1926, the British colonial administration in Kenya gradually established control over the Turkana people.[10] and by 1926, the Turkana people were fully under the control of the British colonial administration, who subsequently forcibly restricted their movements to the Turkana region.[11][12]

In 1958, the district experienced an influx of a number of people classified as belonging to the Turkana people. These had been expelled from the Kenyan town of Isiolo, and forcibly relocated to the Turkana district by the colonial administration.[13]

The district maintained an all but complete isolation until 1976 when road-blocks leading to the district were lifted by the Kenyan government.[14]

In 2000, the people in the north of the county were reported as being harassed by marauding Ethiopians, and were consequently forced to relocate in southern areas.[15]

## Demographics

[edit]

### Population

[edit]

Historical populationYear| Pop.| ±%

|
|

1979 | 142,702| —
1989 | 184,060| +29.0%
1999 | 450,860| +145.0%
2009 | 855,399| +89.7%
2019 | 926,976| +8.4%
source:[16]

### Religion

[edit]

Religion in Turkana County [17] Christianity is the largest Religion in Turkana County representing 86% of the population . Catholicism is the largest denomination with 44% of the Population being Catholics and 28% being Protestants.

Religion in Turkana County (2019 Census)

Religion |  | Percentage
Christianity |

| 86.97%
Catholicism |

| 44.07%
Protestantism |

| 28.82%
Evangelical Churches |

| 9.47%
African Instituted Churches |

| 2.44%
Orthodoxy |

| 0.30%
Other Christian |

| 1.87%
Islam |

| 3.34%
Hindu |

| 0.01%
Traditionalists |

| 4.71%
Other |

| 0.95%
Atheists |

| 2.75%
Don't Know |

| 1.22%
Not Stated |

| 0.05%

Religion (2019 Census)  | Number

|

Catholicism | 406,439
Protestant | 265,802
Evangelical Churches | 87,298
African instituted Churches | 22,498
Orthodox | 2,806
Other Christian | 17,210
Islam | 30,776
Hindu | 134
Traditionists | 43,412
Other | 8,773
Atheists | 25,361
Don't Know | 11,221
Not Stated | 480

## Language

[edit]

Turkana is known in the local language as ng'turkana.[18] Some place names in the country are attributed to the language of the Pokot and Samburu peoples, representing a tradition in the area of inhabitation by these peoples prior to displacement by the Turkana.[19]

## Geography

[edit]

The climate of Turkana County is dry

The county is within the boundaries of the former Rift Valley province.[20] According to data provided during 1991 the majority of the population at that time lived by way of farming.[21] With an area of nearly 77,000 km2, Turkana is the largest county, including the area covered by Lake Turkana, in Kenya.

Turkana County is emerging to be a major source of electric power in Kenya. Kengen's Turkwel Hydro Power Plant, situated on the southwest of Turkana County, produces hydroelectric power which is connected to the national power grid at Lessos. The county is current subject of crude oil exploration in Block 10BB and Block 13T and has potential for geothermal, solar and wind energy.

Kekarongole and Katilu had irrigation networks made commencing sometime during or after 1975.[22]

Rainfall measurements per annum (1982 data) is recorded as less than ten inches; with a range of between 115mm and 650mm.[23][24]

There were thirteen drought periods in a period of 50 years beginning 1938.[25]

## Economics

[edit]

Turkana is the poorest region in Kenya.[26] The county is, however, experiencing upward reviews due to ongoing mineral explorations and inventions, especially of oil and water resources. Turkana County residents are also enjoying the fruits of devolution. Devolution of power in Kenya is viewed as a blessing for the forgotten people of Turkana. It has been received in the sub- counties with much appreciation due to its direct benefits to the citizens. The current administration shares out these benefits equally to all sub counties in addition to enhancing citizen participation in development activities. [1]

On 26 March 2012, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki announced that oil had been discovered in Turkana County after exploratory drilling by Anglo-Irish firm Tullow Oil, and he further stated that:

> It is... the beginning of a long journey to make our country an oil producer, which typically takes in excess of three years. We shall be giving the nation more information as the oil exploration process continues.[27]

Gold panning was reported (2005) as occurring at Lochoremoit, Namoruputh, Lokiriama and Ng' akoriyiek.[28]

According to Barrett (2001) cited in Watson the wealth of a person is kept in the form of cattle.[29]

Figures stated as of 1998 stated an average estimated herd size of 15–20.[30]

In 2013 it was announced by UNESCO[31] that large reserves of groundwater had been discovered in Turkana County which was discovered using satellite exploration technology then confirmed by drilling.[32] The extraction of the water began in 2014 and it is being piped to provide water to Lodwar town for irrigation and water for the people.[33] However, this project was later abandoned when it was found that the water in the aquifer was too salty to be treated or to be used for other purposes.[34]

Government [Turkana County Government Website: http://www.turkana.go.ke/]

Promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 marked a momentous point in the country's history. The Constitution provided for, among others, enhanced checks and balances within the government, an enhanced role of Parliament and citizens, an independent judiciary, and a most progressive Bill of Rights. [2]. Turkana County is one of the 47 counties of Kenya. The county is led by H.E. Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai,[35] and Turkana County has 10 Ministries. [3]

## Travel

[edit]

The county is connected to Nairobi through regular commercial flights to Lodwar airport.[36][37] The World Food Programme runs a special UN Humanitarian Air Service for UN and INGO staff.[38]

## County subdivisions

[edit]

Local authorities (councils)

Authority  | Type  | Population*  | Urban pop.*
Lodwar | Municipality | 1,000,000 | 16,981
Turkana | County | 414,963 | 26,563
Total | – | 450,860 | 43,544
* 1999 census. Source: [4]
Administrative divisions

Division  | Population*  | Population
density  | Headquarters
Central | 35,919 | 45 | Lodwar
Kaaling | 24,053 | 3 |
Kainuk | 11,799 | 7 | Kainuk
Kakuma | 97,114 | 26 | Kakuma
Kalokol | 28,735 | 5 | Kalokol
Katilu | 12,548 | 10 | katilu
Kerio | 15,409 | 6 |
Kibish | 6,056 | – |
Lapur | 12,780 | 6 |
Lokichar | 21,791 | 5 | Lokichar
Lokichogio | 36,187 | 5 | Lokichogio
Lokitaung | 22,586 | 12 | Lokitaung
Loima | 33,979 | 10 | Lorugum
Lokori | 17,915 | 3 |
Lomelo | 6,088 | 1 | Kapedo
Oropol | 18,020 | 3 | Oropol
Turkwel | 49,881 | 9 |
Total | 450,860 | 7 (average) | \-
* 1999 census. Sources: [5]

The county has six constituencies:

* Loima Constituency
* Turkana Central Constituency
* Turkana East Constituency
* Turkana North Constituency
* Turkana South Constituency
* Turkana West Constituency

The counties have six sub counties

sub-county  | headquarters

|

Turkana Central | Lodwar
Turkana North | Lokitaung
Turkana South | Lokichar
Turkana East | Lokori
Turkana West | Kakuma
Loima | Lorugum

## Villages and settlements

[edit]

* Anglogitat
* Angorangora

## See also

[edit]

* Eliye Springs, a village located in Kalokol division
* Kenyans for Kenya
* Ilemi Triangle

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "GCP". Retrieved 31 August 2021.
2. ^ "2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume I: Population by County and Sub-County". Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
3. ^ "Projected Population of Turkana County". Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
4. ^ B S Blades, B Adams – Lithic Materials and Paleolithic Societies John Wiley & Sons, 12 May 2009 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 1405168374
5. ^ C R Ewen -Artifacts Rowman Altamira, 1 April 2003 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 0759100225
6. ^ (secondary) D Waugh – Geography: An Integrated Approach ISBN 017444706X Retrieved 1994
7. ^ Harmand, Sonia; Lewis, Jason E.; Feibel, Craig S.; Lepre, Christopher J.; Prat, Sandrine; Lenoble, Arnaud; Boës, Xavier; Quinn, Rhonda L.; Brenet, Michel (2015). "3.3-million-year-old stone tools from Lomekwi 3, West Turkana, Kenya". Nature. 521 (7552): 310–315\. Bibcode:2015Natur.521..310H. doi:10.1038/nature14464. PMID 25993961. S2CID 1207285.
8. ^ C Ehret, M Posnansky – The Archaeological and Linguistic Reconstruction of African History University of California Press, 1982 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 0520045939
9. ^ Lahr, M. Mirazón; Rivera, F.; Power, R. K.; Mounier, A.; Copsey, B.; Crivellaro, F.; Edung, J. E.; Fernandez, J. M. Maillo; Kiarie, C. (2016). "Inter-group violence among early Holocene hunter-gatherers of West Turkana, Kenya". Nature. 529 (7586): 394–398\. Bibcode:2016Natur.529..394L. doi:10.1038/nature16477. PMID 26791728. S2CID 4462435.
10. ^ T G Grenham – The Unknown God: Religious And Theological Interculturation Peter Lang, 2005 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 3039102613
11. ^ S Williams – Ian Hodder (ed) – The Archaeology of Contextual Meanings Cambridge University Press, 6 August 1987 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 0521329248
12. ^ Merriam-Webster dictionary online
13. ^ V Broch-Due, R A Schroeder – Producing Nature and Poverty in Africa Nordic Africa Institute, 2000 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 9171064524
14. ^ D McNeill, S D Duncan, J Cassell, E T Levy – Gesture and the Dynamic Dimension of Language: Essays in Honor of David McNeill John Benjamins Publishing Company, 2007 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 9027228418
15. ^ Traditional Occupations of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples: Emerging Trends International Labour Organization, 2000 Retrieved 2012-07-08
16. ^ Kenya: Administrative Division population statistics
17. ^ "2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume IV: Distribution of Population by Socio-Economic Characteristics" (PDF). Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
18. ^ P. H. Gulliver – The Family Herds: A Study of Two Pastoral Tribes in East Africa, the Jie and Turkana Routledge, 31 January 2003 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 0415176468
19. ^ NC Dorian – Investigating Obsolescence: Studies in Language Contraction and Death Cambridge University Press, 3 Sep 1992 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 0521437571
20. ^ N Middleton, P O'Keefe – Disaster And Development: The Politics of Humanitarian Aid Pluto Press, 20 November 1997 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 0745312241
21. ^ W Critchley – Looking After Our Land: Soil and Water Conservation in Dryland Africa p.45- Oxfam, 1991 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 0855981709
22. ^ B Calas, CA Mumma Martinon – Shared Waters, Shared Opportunities: Hydropolitics in East Africa African Books Collective, 30 November 2010 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 9987080928
23. ^ C Ehret, M Posnansky -
24. ^ W Critchley
25. ^ S Boinski, P A Garber – On the Move: How and Why Animals Travel in Groups University of Chicago Press, 15 May 2000 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 0226063399
26. ^ "Oil in the cradle of mankind: A glimpse of Africa's future". The Economist. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
27. ^ "Kenya oil discovery after Tullow Oil drilling". BBC. 26 March 2012. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
28. ^ Watson, D.J., Binsbergen, J. van – Review of VSF-Belgium's 'Turkana emergency livestock off-take' intervention 2005 ILRI (aka ILCA and ILRAD), 2008 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 9291462098
29. ^ Watson, D.J. – Community farmer field school animal health facilitators: hybridizing private animal health care and capacity building in remote pastoralist areas ILRI (aka ILCA and ILRAD) Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 9291462276
30. ^ P Bonnet – Dromadaires et chameaux, animaux laitiers / Dromedaries and Camels, Milking Animals Editions Quae, 1 January 1998 Retrieved 2012-07-08 ISBN 2876143070
31. ^ "Strategic groundwater reserves found in Northern Kenya" (news release). UNESCO Media Services. 11 September 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
32. ^ Nicholas Kulish (11 September 2013). "Huge Aquifers Are Discovered in North Kenya". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
33. ^ naibuzz.com/2014/05/18/mining-of-water-begins-in-turkana-Kenya/
34. ^ "Kenya abandons exploration of unviable Turkana water aquifer". 6 February 2022.
35. ^ "Office of the governor – Turkana County Government". Retrieved 10 November 2022.
36. ^ "Cheap flights to Lodwar | Fly540". fly540.com. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
37. ^ "Lodwar". skywardexpress.co.ke. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
38. ^ "ECHO Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP)" (PDF). European Commission. Retrieved 4 February 2022.

## External links

[edit]

* http://www.aridland.go.ke/bulletins/June 2006-Turkana.pdf[permanent dead link]
* http://www.aridland.go.ke/districts.asp?DistrictID=1[permanent dead link]
* Map of the district

* v
* t
* e

First- and second-level administrative divisions of Kenya

47 counties
(since March 2013)|

* Baringo (30)
* Bomet (36)
* Bungoma (39)
* Busia (40)
* Elgeyo-Marakwet (28)
* Embu (14)
* Garissa (07)
* Homa Bay (43)
* Isiolo (11)
* Kajiado (34)
* Kakamega (37)
* Kericho (35)
* Kiambu (22)
* Kilifi (03)
* Kirinyaga (20)
* Kisii (45)
* Kisumu (42)
* Kitui (15)
* Kwale (02)
* Laikipia (31)
* Lamu (05)
* Machakos (16)
* Makueni (17)
* Mandera (09)
* Marsabit (10)
* Meru (12)
* Migori (44)
* Mombasa (01)
* Murang'a (21)
* Nairobi (47)
* Nakuru (32)
* Nandi (29)
* Narok (33)
* Nyamira (46)
* Nyandarua (18)
* Nyeri (19)
* Samburu (25)
* Siaya (41)
* Taita-Taveta (06)
* Tana River (04)
* Tharaka-Nithi (13)
* Trans-Nzoia (26)
* Turkana (23)
* Uasin Gishu (27)
* Vihiga (38)
* Wajir (08)
* West Pokot (24)

Principal cities
and towns|

* Nairobi (capital)
* Athi River
* Baragoi
* Bomet
* Bungoma
* Busia
* Chuka
* Eldoret
* Embu
* Garissa
* Hola
* Homa Bay
* Isiolo
* Iten
* Kabarnet
* Kajiado
* Kakamega
* Kapsabet
* Kangundo \- Tala
* Kapenguria
* Karuri
* Kericho
* Kerugoya
* Kiambu
* Kibwezi
* Kikuyu
* Kilifi
* Kisii
* Kisumu
* Kitale
* Kitengela
* Kitui
* Kwale
* Limuru
* Lodwar
* Lokichogio
* Loiyangalani
* Lamu
* Machakos
* Makindu
* Malindi
* Mandera
* Maralal
* Marsabit
* Masii
* Meru
* Mombasa
* Moyale
* Mtito Andei
* Mumias
* Murang'a
* Mutomo
* Mwingi
* Naivasha
* Nakuru
* Namanga
* Nanyuki
* Narok
* Nyahururu
* Nyamira
* Nyeri
* Ol Kalou
* Ongata Rongai
* Ruiru
* Siaya
* Thika
* Vihiga
* Voi
* Wajir
* Webuye
* Wote
* Wundanyi

* v
* t
* e

Turkana Basin

* Geology of the Turkana Basin
* Lake Turkana
* Lake Turkana National Parks
* Turkana County
* Turkana people
* African Great Lakes
* Great Rift Valley, Kenya

Natural History

Geology|

| History|

* Pan-African orogeny
* East African Orogeny
* East African Rift

|

Formations|

* Omo Kibish
* Nachukui
* Koobi Fora
* Lothagam
* Nawata
* Lothidok
* Lodwar

Features|

* Moruorot
* Konukuanga Hill
* Kamurunyang Hill
* Lopori Hill
* Ngaletiti Hill
* Kakurtua Hill
* Lothidok hill
* Esha hill
* Mount Kulal
* Mount Nyiru
* Central Island
* Sibiloi
* Loriu Plateau

Hydrology|

| Lakes|

* Lake Turkana
* Lake Logipi

|

Rivers|

* Omo
* Turkwel
* Kerio

Streams|

* Lowarengak
* Lokitonyala
* Natoo
* Lokapetemoi
* Nariokotome
* Kaitio
* Nachukui
* Kalochoro
* Naiyeng Engol
* Kalokado
* Kokiselei
* Kangaki
* Lokalale
* Lomekwi
* Kataboi
* Kalodirr
* Kanukurinya
* Kalakol
* Nathura
* Eragaleit
* Lataagur
* Alomonet
* Kalatum
* Nakwel Esha
* Il Eriet
* Il Alia
* Il Lokochot
* Lagger river

Watering holes|

* Karsa
* Aiyangiyang

Ecology|

| Plants|

* Aristida adcensionis
* A. mutabilis
* Duosperma eremophilum
* Indigofera spinosa
* doum palm
* Salvadora persica
* Vachellia reficiens
* Acacia reficiens
* Acacia nubica
* Belpharis fruticulosa
* Acacia tortilis
* Maerua oblongifolia
* Chloris gayana
* Euphorbia bush
* Balanites
* Withania somnifera
* Cynodon dactylon
* Ficus sycamorus
* Calotropis procera

|

Insects|

* Samba turkana

Fish|

* Haplochromis macconneli
* Haplochromis rudolfianus
* Haplochromis turkanae
* Barbus turkanae
* Brycinus ferox
* B. minutus
* Lates longispinis
* Neobola stellae
* Nile tilapia
* Bichir
* Mormyrus
* African arowana
* African knifefish
* Distichodus niloticus
* Nile perch
* Barbus bynni

Reptiles|

* Turkana mud turtle
* Nile crocodile

Birds|

* Little stint
* Wood sandpiper
* Common sandpiper
* African skimmer
* White-breasted cormorant
* Greater flamingo
* Heuglin's bustard
* Abyssinian roller
* Secretarybird
* Crested lark
* White-winged tern
* Slender-billed Gull
* Lesser flamingo
* Osprey
* Black-winged stilt
* Spur-winged plover
* Goliath heron
* Grey heron
* Little egret
* Sacred ibis
* Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse
* Somali bee-eater
* Carmine bee-eater
* Fox kestrel
* Long-tailed paradise whydah
* Pin-tailed whydah
* Straw-tailed whydah

Mammals|

* Gerenuk
* Striped hyena
* Dik-dik
* Grevy's zebra
* Burchell's zebra
* Beisa oryx
* Grant's gazelle
* Topi
* Reticulated giraffe
* Lion
* African wild dog
* Jackal

Paleontology and archaeology

Miocene apes|

* Kamoyapithecus hamiltoni (Oligocene)
* Afropithecus turkanensis
* Turkanensis kalakolensis
* Simiolus enjiessi
* Kenyapithecus wickeri

Hominins|

| Australopithecines|

* Australopithecus anamensis
* Au. afarensis
* Kenyanthropus platyops
* Paranthropus aethiopicus
* P. aethiopicus

|

Homo|

* Homo habilis
* H. rudolfensis
* H. ergaster
* H. sapiens

Sites|

* Lothagam
* Koobi Fora
* Aiyangiyang
* Turkwel
* Nariokotome
* Napedet
* Karsa
* Buluk
* Nabwal
* Irile
* Esha
* Kalodirr
* Kajong
* Nakwai
* Loperot
* Moruorot

Projects|

* National Museums of Kenya
* Turkana Basin Institute
* West Turkana Archaeological Project
* Koobi Fora Field School

Contemporary settlement and activity

Peoples|

* Turkana people
* Daasanach people
* Pokot people
* Samburu people
* Rendille people
* people
* Murle people

Towns and villages|

* Kakuma
* Lokichogio
* Lodwar
* Lorugum
* Kalokol
* Lokitaung
* Lokichar
* Oropolo
* Katilu
* Kainuk
* Kapedo
* Eliya springs
* North Horr
* South Horr

Parks and protected sites|

* Sibiloi National Park
* Central Island National Park
* South Island National Park

Organizations|

* Friends of Lake Turkana

Politics and events|

| History and events|

* Baragoi Clashes
* Tobong’u Lore

|

People|

* Josphat Nanok
* Ekwee Ethuro
* John Munyes
* Ikal Angelei
* Richard Leakey
* Meave Leakey
* Ajuma Nasenyana

Authority control databases |

* Yale LUX

|

*[Pop.]: Population
*[±%]: Percent change
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