President William Ruto on Friday, March 15 appointed General Francis Ogolla to lead a task force which will help develop the Kenya Home of Human Origins Museum and Science Park in the Lake Turkana Basin.
In his appointment notice, Ruto highlighted that Ogolla and his team would be tasked with undertaking eight roles including mapping out historical sites in the basin.
Particularly, the team will be tasked with mapping out areas linked to the first human species. Turkana has been described as the cradle of humanity due to the discovery of Australopithecus, and subsequently, the Homo erectus, famously known as the "Turkana Boy".
Further, Ogolla and his team were tasked with undertaking research on the fossils found in the area and establishing a database for the same.
The KDF boss was also tasked with undertaking studies on some of the artefacts that have been taken out of the country and developing strategies on how they will be brought back to the country.
The task force will also develop exhibition concepts and storylines associated with the proposed facility.
"They will also develop a sustainable tourism marketing strategy for Kenya Home of Human Origins Museum and Science Park in Lake Turkana Basin and develop a comprehensive investment plan for the park and museum," read the notice in part.
On the other hand, Ogolla's team was also mandated with strategising on bringing in development partners who can work in the establishment of the facility.
"The taskforce will also develop a prioritized implementation matrix that clearly states the immediate, medium, and long-term plans for the project and the attendant budgetary requirements necessary for the successful execution of the project," read the notice in part.
According to the directive of the President, the task force will undertake its new responsibilities in 12 months.
"The costs incurred by the Presidential Taskforce in the performance of its functions shall be defrayed from the voted funds of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
"The secretariat of the Presidential Taskforce shall be based at the Ministry of Defence," Ruto directed.
Ogolla's task force will be made of Principal Secretaries for the National Treasury, Defence, Wildlife, Tourism, Culture, The Arts and Heritage and Shipping and Maritime Affairs.
