Todonyang locals get fishing gear as they pick the pieces

A rescue mission in Lake Turkana on Monday March 3, 2025 following a brutal attack by suspected Ethiopian attackers. [Bakari Ang'ela, Standard]

Turkana Woman Representative Cecilia Ngitit is calling for enhanced support to Todonyang where locals are still picking up their pieces following a bloody attack by assailants from Ethiopia last month.

Ngitit said Todonyang needed support to return to fishing following the horrific experience after attackers suspected to be from the Dassanech community of Ethiopia shot and killed locals and caused the disappearance of tens of residents on February 22.

The MP, on Friday, dispatched fishing nets, which was part of Sh15 million from an Affirmative Action Fund towards supporting marginalized groups in agriculture and business to Todonyang, Turkana North.

But Ngitit said more material and psychosocial support was still needed to restore normalcy in Todonyang.

She said survivors of the Todonyang bloodletting were issued with fishing gear to help them restore their livelihoods.

“The waters of Lake Turkana have long been a source of livelihood for the people of Todonyang. We are trying to empower them through NGAAF to enable them to start again,” Ngitit said.

James Ekai, a fisherman, said they lost several fishing equipment during the attack.

“This support means a lot. It will help us recover from our losses and provide for our families once again,” he said.

She said marginalized groups from agricultural potential areas of Turkana were offered wheelbarrows, jembes, slashers, and knapsack sprayers under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).

Ngitit said the money disbursed on Friday will encourage women and youth to invest in agriculture and businesses, and reduce reliance on relief food.

The MP said bursaries to support the education of bright students from vulnerable families were part of the Sh15 million disbursements.

A large amount of the allocation, she said, was spent on fishing gear, farming equipment, and business grants, in a move she said, was fashioned to grow wealth in the drought-prone county.

Ngitit said she would ensure that the NGAAF support to vulnerable groups is accounted for and warned beneficiaries against failure to use them in food production and growing wealth.

“These resources are meant to transform lives. Misuse or sale of equipment will not be tolerated, and those found culpable will face consequences,” she warned.

She went on to say: “This initiative is about empowering our people. Through education support, farming tools, business grants, and more, we are investing in the resilience and growth of Turkana residents.”

Thirty-two community groups were awarded business grants ranging from Sh200,000 to Sh350,000 for establishment of enterprises.

Some groups, like the Jackaranda from Kerio, received posho mills to support local food processing and offer affordable milling services while creating employment.