Deputy President Gachagua assure North eastern counties of development during launch of NEDI at KSG
The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reiterated government’s support for ongoing development programmes meant to uplift the livelihoods of the citizens in the Northern parts of Kenya.
Speaking today while presiding over the North and North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI) Consultative Forum at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kebete, Nairobi, the DP said the region was endowed with potential that needed to be exploited for benefit of locals and the country.
NEDI, which is being overseen by the Deputy President, is being implemented by the World Bank in collaboration with the government.
It covers 10 counties: Garissa, Isiolo, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir and West Pokot.
The Initiative, that was launched in 2018, consists of six main projects costing over Sh100 billion spread over the counties.
“The projects provide the necessary impetus and gravitas needed to open up Northern Kenya. They are critical in improving the infrastructure, enhancing connection to the national grid and expanding agricultural production in the region,” the DP said.
The DP promised full government support to the programmes saying the region had potential to supply the country with adequate food if it was made arable.
“The solution to the food security challenges we face as a country lies in Northern Kenya, the vast land in the region can produce enough food for the whole country and we will have a surplus,” said the DP.
He challenged the respective county leaders to closely work with the World Bank to ensure the successful implementation of the projects.
“The government takes this Initiative seriously as a solution to the many challenges we face,” DP added. Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi welcomed the initiative promising to fully support it.
“NEDI has emerged as a beacon of hope for the people living in these counties. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that this initiative reaches its full potential, improving the lives of millions of Kenyans,” said the governor.
