- Gachagua affirmed the government’s commitment to the rapid development of the region.
- Partnering with the World Bank and other agencies, the government aims to boost socio-economic growth in counties like Turkana, Isiolo, Mandera, and Garissa.
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced the government's ambitious plan to prioritise the development of Northern and North-Eastern Kenya.
This, Gachagua said, is through a series of high-impact projects valued at Sh300 billion.
Under the North and North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI), these projects aim to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region, which has historically lagged behind in infrastructure and development.
Gachagua emphasised the government's determination to work closely with the World Bank and other development partners to implement the projects, which are at various stages of execution.
The DP was speaking on Monday during a high-level NEDI consultative meeting at his Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi.
"The opening up of Northern and North-Eastern Kenya is a priority for our administration because the area admittedly has lagged behind for a long time," Gachagua said.
"We thank our partners, specifically the World Bank, for the capital injection to open up this part of Kenya with huge potential."
The NEDI programme, which encompasses counties such as West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Marsabit, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera, is designed to spark economic transformation by improving infrastructure and providing essential services.
According to Gachagua, the initiative is focused on projects across multiple sectors, including transport, agriculture, water, health, education, energy, and social protection.
Among the standout initiatives under NEDI is the Horn of Africa Gateway Project (HoAGP), which includes a 740-kilometer road linking Isiolo to Mandera.
The project, which is ready to commence, is expected to significantly improve transportation and trade opportunities across the region.
Additionally, the Isiolo Export Abattoir is set to enhance the livestock industry, while the rehabilitation of the Wajir Livestock Training Institute aims to support education and training in one of the region’s key economic sectors.
The Horn of Africa Ground Water for Resilience Project (HOAGWRP) will focus on constructing 400 boreholes, providing much-needed water resources for residents across Northern and North-Eastern counties.
The Deputy President underscored the region’s potential to become a significant contributor to Kenya’s food security.
"The region is fertile and could secure the nation’s food situation if its potential is properly tapped. Countries in the Middle East with the same climatic environment have been transformed into bastions of food production," he said.
"We look ahead to a day where food security of this country will be supported by the vast lands in Northern and North-Eastern Kenya."
Gachagua also highlighted the government's focus on climate resilience as part of the NEDI programme, acknowledging the significant risk posed by climate change to the region.
He noted that resilient infrastructure and sustainable development projects are key to mitigating the adverse effects of environmental changes.
"As we battle the impact of climate change, resilient measures are necessary so we are not dealing with emerging issues year after year," the Deputy President said.
Gachagua further encouraged leaders to engage with the development process, calling their input vital for the success of the projects.
"Leaders must take a keen interest in these initiatives to ensure they are beneficial to the people," he said.