Iftin MCA requests inclusion of more villages in KDRDIP

Iftin Ward MCA Musdaf Abdirashid has written to Kenya Development Response to Displacement Impact Project requesting for the inclusion of five more villages from Garissa subcounty into the programme.

KDRDIP is a National Government initiative supported by the World Bank to improve the lives of the refugee-hosting communities in the north.

It has in the last three weeks been riddled with controversy with different sides either supporting the project or calling for its stoppage.

The projects are being implemented in Turkana, Dadaab and Wajir constituencies.

In a letter addressed to the  Director KDRDIP project, Abdirashid who is also the Deputy Speaker, the MCA requested that Korakora, Libaxle, Sariraha Village and Diiso areas be part of the programme.

“I'm writing to you to request that these areas be included in the KDRDIP. These areas are part of the host community and have been affected by the presence of refugees due to their proximity to the Dadaab refugee camps.”

“We are aware that your project is aimed at improving social services, expanding economic opportunities, and enhancing environmental management to the host and displaced households,” he further stated in the letter.

He said whereas they appreciate that refugees contribute to the development of the host areas, the host community is still facing many challenges.

"Our social services such as healthcare and education, are overstretched, and our economic opportunities have been limited. Additionally, the environmental degradation caused by the refugee camps has had a negative impact on our community particularly the aforementioned areas,” the MCA said.

Abdirashid said he believes the inclusion of the areas in the KDRDIP project will have a significant impact on the host community by way of  improving quality of life and help reduce tensions between the host community and the refugees.

"We would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter, and we look forward to hearing from you soon,” he said in the letter. 

The development comes just a week after a section of residents from Fafi constituency held peaceful demonstrations outside the KDRDIP offices in Garissa calling for the suspension of all community mobilisers and facilitators.

Among the issues the demonstrators want addressed include the non-renewal of contracts upon expiry for the officials working in Garissa County.

In a quick rejoinder, another group of contractors came out in support of the KDRDIP.

Last week, PS for Development of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, Idris Dokota called for the appointment of a committee to investigate concerns raised by locals.

Fafi MP Salah Yakub also took to his Facebook page to call for thorough investigations from the relevant agencies to look into issues of funds misappropriation and conflict of interest before the project can be allowed to resume.

“We appreciate the step taken by PS Asal in forming a committee to look into the issue raised by the residents and we equally urge the National Project Implementation Unit to be proactive in listening to the people of Fafi and accept their own shortcomings to fulfil the request of the community and thus stop being defensive of the syndicate and general failure of the project."

"Threatening that the world bank might call off the project will not stop Fafians. Simple, We will not pay for the money we have not used or has gone into the pockets of a few individuals," Abdirashid said.

"You loaned us money, that money should be put to the intended use. In this case, change the life of Fafians in terms of water, education, agriculture, environment and energy."