More than Sh30 million was raised on Saturday during the Nairo/Lorokusho Education Fund fundraiser in Karare, Saku Constituency, as senior government officials and politicians rallied support for education of children in pastoralist communities.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale led a host of leaders from the county in mobilizing funds to provide sponsorship for the education of learners in local institutions and overseas.
Duale presented President Ruto’s donation of Sh2 million, alongside Sh1 million from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Sh500,000 from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and a similar donation of Sh500,000 by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa. The health CS gave a personal donation of Sh1 million and pledged an additional Sh1 million.
During the Harambe, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya contributed Sh1 million, while Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu donated Sh1.5 million and pledged a further Sh1 million, enabling the fundraiser to surpass the Sh30 million mark.
Speaking during the event, Duale remarked that education is the greatest investment for children from pastoralist communities, saying it offers equal opportunities regardless of one’s background.
“I came to Marsabit for two reasons. First, to support this education fund because I strongly believe every child, including the child of a pastoralist, deserves quality education. Education is what transforms lives and creates future leaders,” he said.
Duale challenged community leaders and well-wishers to continue supporting education so that more children from Northern Kenya can access higher learning institutions both locally and abroad.
The health CS also used the occasion to urge residents of Marsabit County to acquire national identity cards and register as voters, saying active participation in elections would strengthen the region’s voice in national affairs.
He praised President William Ruto’s administration for promoting equitable development across the country, adding that government projects and opportunities are distributed without bias towards region, ethnicity or religion.
Petroleum Principal Secretary Kello Harsama called on pastoralist communities to remain united and encouraged residents to support ongoing government development programmes while preparing for the next voter registration exercise.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu said pastoralist communities across Kenya should remain united through education and development, noting that investing in children would secure the future of the region.
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali thanked leaders and donors for supporting the education initiatives and called for the accelerated implementation of national infrastructure projects, including key roads in the county.
Woman Representative Naomi Jilo Waqo expressed concern over the county’s low number of registered voters, urging every resident to obtain a national identity card before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission opens voter registration.
“Our population is not reflected in the number of people with IDs as registered voters. We must ensure every eligible resident gets an ID card and registers to vote,” she said.
Saku MP Col. (Rtd) Dido Ali Raso echoed the appeal, saying obtaining identification documents and registering as voters would strengthen the county’s political influence while supporting continued development.
Former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani applauded the organizers for prioritizing education and praised chief organizers Major (Rtd.) James Neepe for fostering unity and reconciliation within the community.
The funds drive was organized by Major Rtd) James Neepe, a member of the Lorokusho community, who thanked President Ruto, government leaders, donors and members of the public for their overwhelming support.
The event brought together leaders from across the county, including Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton, Saku MP Col. (Rtd.) Dido Ali Raso, former Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani, Petroleum Principal Secretary Kello Harsama, Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Jilo Waqo, and Members of County Assembly, religious leaders, education stakeholders among other dignitaries, and community members.
The fundraiser underscored the growing commitment by leaders and local community to expand education opportunities for children from pastoralist areas while combining the event with a renewed campaign for national identity card registration and voter enrolment ahead of the 2027 Election.
By Anthony Melly
