Kenya is set to expedite the implementation of high-impact projects and programmes in the frontier counties as part of the strategic responses to security challenges in the region.
The government, with support from the World Bank, has already earmarked $2 billion for accelerated implementation of 17 projects and programmes across 10 counties in the Northern and North Eastern parts.
The plan, which will be executed under the North and North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI), was first conceptualized in 2018 when Kenya and the international financial institution partnered to enhance the resilience of the affected communities against inter-communal clashes, armed banditry and terrorist attacks.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said the ultimate objective of the move is to provide the residents with alternative avenues to sustainable livelihoods through targeted interventions in different sectors.
“Conflicts in the Northern parts of our country are largely resource-based. It is such a complex question that can only be answered through socio-economic empowerment and building resilient communities,” the PS said after a meeting with NEDI implementation support mission at Harambee House.
Led by Peter Taniform, Head of the Infrastructure Sector in Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda, the team sought immediate operationalization of the Security Management Plan that has been drafted as a prelude to the proposed accelerated delivery phase.
Omollo acknowledge the challenges previously encountered by project implementation personnel and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to optimize staff safety and security of their equipment.
The PS also prescribed a consolidated Security Management Strategy for the subsequent activities to eliminate possible constraints to smooth operations.
“We won’t take such crucial and long-term solutions for granted. We expect the implementation phase to be smooth. We already have a framework of coordination and implementation of National Government programmes and projects,” he said.
The NEDI programme covers the counties of Garissa, Isiolo, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir, and West Pokot.
It focuses on various sectors, key among them energy, transport, urban development, health, education, water, agriculture, environment, social protection and governance.
