H.E. Hon. (Dr.) Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai Napotikan is a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, and champion of pastoralist communities in Kenya’s arid north. As the Governor of Turkana County since 2022, he steers the second-largest county in Kenya, spanning 77,000 square kilometers with a bold 9-point agenda for socio-economic transformation. Elected on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, Dr. Napotikan’s journey from a clerical officer in Turkana’s registration bureau to the helm of county governance exemplifies resilience, grassroots advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized voices. Rooted in the pastoralist heritage of Turkana, he has risen through the ranks of Kenyan politics, representing the aspirations of nomadic herders, resource-poor families, and underserved wards with integrity and fervor.
Born and raised in the resilient landscapes of Turkana, Dr. Napotikan’s early life instilled in him a profound understanding of the challenges facing arid and semi-arid regions. He completed his primary education at Namoruputh Primary School in 1990 and secondary schooling at Lodwar High School in 1994. Pursuing higher education amid a demanding public service career, he earned a Certificate in Governance from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (2011–2012), a Diploma in Counselling from Kenya Methodist University (2012–2013), and a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling from the same institution (2014–2015). In September 2025, he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Southwestern University, USA, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community development and leadership.
Dr. Napotikan’s professional odyssey began in 1995 as a clerical officer at the National Registration Bureau in Turkana, where he served until 1999, honing administrative skills vital to community outreach. Transitioning to local governance, he joined the Turkana County Council as a public officer from 2002 to 2007, followed by two consecutive terms as a councilor (2007–2012), advocating for urban and rural infrastructure in Lodwar and beyond. Under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution and the dawn of devolution, he was elected Member of County Assembly (MCA) for the expansive Turkwel Ward in 2013, where he distinguished himself as Minority Leader in the Turkana County Assembly. His tenure focused on amplifying the needs of pastoralists, securing resources for water access, conflict resolution, and basic services in remote areas.
Building on this foundation, Dr. Napotikan contested and won the Member of Parliament seat for Loima Constituency in 2017, serving until 2022. In Parliament, he championed legislation on arid lands management, resource equity, and national security, drawing from his deep knowledge of Turkana’s unique geopolitical challenges. His 2022 gubernatorial victory marked a pinnacle, defeating incumbents with a mandate to foster inclusive growth. As Governor, he has prioritized water as a universal right through upgraded supply systems in Lodwar and Kakuma municipalities, including reverse osmosis plants for sustainable access; bolstered food security via livestock development and fisheries initiatives; and advanced peace-building to curb resource-based conflicts. Security enhancements include the establishment of over six new police stations and the restoration of settlements in Napeitom, fostering stability for trade and herding communities. His administration’s collaborative partnerships with national and international stakeholders have unlocked investments in education, health, sanitation, and mineral resource management, driving wealth creation and local revenue enhancement.