Garissa Speaker pushes for inclusive development for refugees and hosts

Garissa County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle has called for development strategies that serve both refugees and host communities, saying inclusive growth is key to the county’s future.

Speaking during a side event at the ongoing Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, Idle reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to locally-led solutions and stronger coordination between county, national, and international partners.

“For decades, Garissa has hosted one of Kenya’s largest refugee populations — a reality that has shaped our identity, brought human capital and cultural diversity, but also strained our infrastructure and public services,” he said.

“These pressures are compounded by historical marginalisation and fluctuating donor support.”

Garissa hosts more than 380,000 refugees in the Dadaab complex, which was established in 1992 after the outbreak of civil war in Somalia.

The four active camps — Dagahaley, Hagadera, Ifo 1 and Ifo 2 — have become a defining feature of the county’s social and economic landscape.

Idle said the newly launched Shirika Plan marks a significant shift from aid dependency to a development-driven approach.

He confirmed that the county will integrate the plan into its County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) to ensure local priorities drive implementation and that services reach both refugees and host communities.

“We are committed to ensuring the Assembly provides strong oversight, so development benefits are shared equally,” he said.

Among the reforms the Assembly has introduced is an amendment to its Standing Orders to allow refugees to petition the Assembly directly — a first in the county’s history.

Idle called it a “historic step” that gives refugees a direct voice in shaping county policies.

He noted that while the Refugee Act 2021 recognides counties’ roles, coordination with the national government is still inconsistent.

Garissa is now working to strengthen multi-level governance by aligning policies, sharing resources, and ensuring national strategies match local realities.

“Our guiding principles are human rights, social justice, and inclusion,” Idle said.

“Development must give both refugees and hosts equal access to services, opportunities, and dignity.”

He added that Garissa is building partnerships with both hosting and non-hosting counties to advocate jointly for resources, reforms, and sustainable solutions.

The Devolution Conference, was officially opened by President William Ruto on Wednesday, concludes today.