In light of the recent humanitarian crisis triggered by severe flooding in the former NEP districts – Garissa, Wajir and Mandera – the unfolding events witnessed in the three counties underscore a pressing need for the residents and leaders to view this as a wake-up call.
While acknowledging the inevitability of natural disasters, and stressing that no human is an island, the distressing reports circulating on social media over the past three weeks demand a collective realisation among northerners.
From impassable roads to widespread flooding that has caused havoc on livelihoods and shelter, pleas for humanitarian aid, inadequate food supplies, flawed town planning and management, poor workmanship, and heightened vulnerability among specific groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant and lactating mothers, the challenges are multifaceted.
However, the status quo is no longer sustainable, and it is imperative for the leaders, as well as the residents in unison to chart a transformative agenda.
With the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution and the advent of devolution, the use of the marginalisation tag is no longer tenable. Therefore, both the leaders and residents from those areas should come up with a clear roadmap to quench the thirst for development and bring their counties at par with the rest of the regions in the country. “Serikali saidia” mantra should no longer be the excuse.
Urgently, the aforementioned counties need to step up plans to mobilise resources and expertise, and partner with CSOs and national government entities in the region to tackle the immediate challenges, including restoring vital infrastructure, ensuring a steady supply of humanitarian aid and implementing effective town planning measures.
Consequently, there should be a strategic focus on long-term and public-centric/driven initiatives, such as investing in sustainable development projects, which include harnessing the livestock production systems, introducing irrigated agricultural systems in the expansive land, constructing dams to conserve water for agricultural and home use and to prevent flooding.
Proper planning and management of towns, improving educational and healthcare facilities and fostering economic opportunities for the residents should also form part of the long-term developmental strategy.
Among the pressing issues that emerge from the current crisis are the need for proper town planning and management, responding to disasters and crises and the role of the business communities.
Proper town planning and management provide guidelines for the development of essential infrastructure such as roads. Proper town planning considers the vulnerability of an area to natural disasters and incorporates measures to enhance resilience.
This helps authorities mitigate environmental impact and supports a healthier urban ecosystem. Generally, to create resilient, sustainable, and liveable urban settings that meet the demands and the dynamics of the residents and promote social, economic and environmental well-being, proper town planning and management are essential.
Similarly, a well-coordinated and multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, communities and individuals to respond to crises and disasters like the ongoing one is also critical.
There is a need to mobilise resources collectively by all stakeholders to enable them to respond promptly to individuals affected by the crisis. This entails setting up emergency shelters, coordinating the distribution of food and water, and deploying public health and medical officers to address the immediate needs of the affected members of the communities.
In the face of the calamity, a public outcry regarding the conduct of the business people in the counties emerged; overcharging, hoarding of goods and exploitative pricing on essential goods like food and fuel have made the population of the said communities more vulnerable and impoverished.
The Kenya poverty report 2021 places Garissa, Mandera and Wajir among the counties with the highest overall poverty incidence in the country, with a poverty incidence of 68.3 per cent, 71.9 per cent and 66.3 per cent respectively.
Cognisant of the consequences of hoarding on individuals and communities, most profound effect of hoarding includes the disruption of supply chain causing increased demand for specific products and resulting in shortages, necessities rising in price and people with low incomes will no longer afford to buy essential items like food easily.
Therefore, it is prudent for business people in the three counties to adhere to ethical business practices that promote fairness and compassion during such trying moments.
It is indeed a crucial moment for business communities in the counties to rise to the occasion and make a positive impact during times of crises.
Finally, emphasising the untapped potential the region possesses has become a song to the ears of policymakers and implementers, therefore, it is time to foster a united front by both the leaders and residents to usher in a new era of resilience and prosperity.
This wake-up call should serve as a catalyst for positive change, prompting a commitment to sustainable development that transcends short-term relief efforts. Again, it is time to rewrite the narrative, transforming adversity into an opportunity to build a more resilient and vibrant future for Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties.
Policy analyst
