The British government has promised
to continue supporting development
programmes in Garissa that have
changed the lives of the residents
for the better.
The United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan said the UK government has directly and indirectly partnered with government and NGOs to set up programmes that leave a mark in the lives of residents.
He spoke to the press at the Garissa county headquarters when he made his maiden two-day visit to inspect livelihood projects funded by his government.
The envoy, who was in the company of Garissa Governor Nathif Jama and other top national and county officers, singled out the ‘Deris Wenaag’ programme—a somali word which means good neighbourliness — which is being used to enhance peace and stability and strengthen the economic dynamic in the border areas.
Supporting communities to implement initiatives which build resilience, Deris Wanaag works closely with civil society and existing structures to fund locally-led initiatives that enhance resilience to the impact of conflict and historic vulnerability for both communities and individuals.
The programme is being carried out in Mandera, Garissa, Wajir and Lamu (Kenya), Jubaland (Somalia) and Dolo Ado, Somali Region (Ethiopia).
The project integrates ongoing security, development and peacebuilding efforts with focus on strengthening the effectiveness of national responses to insecurity along the border.
It also supports local conflict resolution and management structures, and builds individual and community resilience to the influence of violent extremist actors.
Wigan who also met with North Eastern regional commissioner John Otieno and other top security officials, thanked residents for working closely with the security apparatus in ensuring security is improved and maintained.
“We have amazing programmes here in Garissa to help people from poor communities develop business and improve their lives. We know the people are living in difficult conditions following years of drought and the insecurity threat from the al Shabaab,” Wigan said.
The envoy who attended an exhibition where beneficiaries showcased their products acquired though the UK funded programmes, said the UK had injected five million pounds into various projects.
“We remain committed to helping children with food as well as saccos and self help groups by giving them funding to start businesses and improve members’ lives,” he said.
Governor Jama said it was a great honour to welcome the envoy in Garissa, adding that the British government has long historical ties to the county.
“This visit means a lot to us and given the fact that the British government through the embassy and the development partners that work with the embassy, have been doing a lot of support activities in the county,” he said.
“In particular, I want to single out the ‘Derus Wanaag’ programme which is run by the embassy. As a county, we have worked closely with the British government and the security apparatus to make sure it succeeds.
“Security is a very important aspect which is probably all that we require in this part of Kenya. Without security nothing much can be done.”
Jama also called for more support
in healthcare, especially in child
mortality and women empowerment.
“We are also asking for support from
the UK embassy on industrial and
value addition,” he said.
