Wajir ramps up preparations for pastoralists summit this week

Wajir County is committed to ensuring it hosts a successful Pastoralists Leadership Summit this week, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has said.

The summit started yesterday and is expected to attract 450 delegates, including all 14 governors from ASAL counties and county assembly leaders.

Abdullahi chaired the County Steering Committee meeting to finalise preparations for the summit.

He used the opportunity to welcome all to the summit.

“The county, in collaboration with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, is working around the clock to ensure that everything goes on smoothly,” he said.

Key areas of focus include infrastructure, security, and hospitality.

The meeting brings together key stakeholders, including Wajir County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo, officials from the Frontier Counties Development Council, the county government, and the Pastoralist Parliamentary Group.

It marks a pivotal moment for pastoralist communities as leaders from across the region will converge to address pressing issues related to pastoralism, development, and regional collaboration.

The event is poised to shine a spotlight on Wajir’s economic potential while also discussing challenges faced by ASAL counties, such as climate change, infrastructure development, and livestock management.

Hassan Mohamed, a local businessman, expressed optimism that the summit will live up to its expectations.

“I hope the summit will provide a significant economic boost to Wajir, create a unique opportunity for local businesses, and showcase the region’s rich culture and hospitality,” he said.

“I hope it will also foster collaboration and dialogue, paving the way for sustainable solutions that will benefit not just Wajir but the entire ASAL region.”

Marian Sheikh, a grocery vendor, said the summit should come up with workable solutions to the problems bedeviling the region, saying it should not be ‘just another boardroom and talk show meeting’.

“This summit is in its fourth year since inception,” she said.

“We want to see tangible solutions offered.“