Kenya on Friday signed the a protocol of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), for free movement of pastoralists living in border areas.
They IGAD Protocol on Transhumance was signed by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi on behalf of the Kenyan government.
This followed a successful meeting with the IGAD Secretariat Delegation led by IGAD Head of Mission in Kenya Fatma Adan on Friday.
The Protocol provides a critical framework for free, safe, and orderly cross-border mobility of transhumant livestock and herders in search of water and pasture within the IGAD member states.
It also regulates transhumance activities, including the movement of herders and their livestock across borders; sustainable management of natural resources including land, water, and pasture to support transhumance activities; conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution.
This will help in promoting peaceful coexistence and reduce the risks associated with violence and lead to the protection of the rights and interests of pastoralist communities.
This will include their access to land, water, and grazing resources; and further cooperation and coordination among neighboring countries in addressing common challenges across borders.
The Protocol was adopted during the 72nd Extra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs held on June 24, 2021.
Kenya becomes the 5th IGAD Member State to sign the Protocol after Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti.
The signing ceremony was presided over by the Registrar of Treaties Ambassador Joseph Vungo.
It was attended by Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke, the Parliamentary Pastoralist Group representative Col (Rtd) Ali Raso Dido and Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere.
Following the signing of the Protocol by Mudavadi, it will be submitted to the Cabinet and thereafter to the National Assembly for approval of ratification by Kenya.
IGAD), is an eight-country trade bloc in Africa that aims to accelerate economic and social development and integration of the members of the region.
This is through integration efforts anchored on peace, prosperity and regional integration.
