The Kenya Government is set to fast track the implementation of high-impact projects and programs in the border counties as part of the strategic responses to security challenges in the region.
The government, with support from the World Bank, has already allocated USD 2.0 billion for accelerated implementation of projects and programs across 10 counties in the Northern and North Eastern parts of Kenya.
Read: Kenya, South Korea To Undertake 4 More Konza Projects
The plan, which will be executed under the North and North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI), was first conceptualized in 2018 when Kenya and the international financial institution partnered to enhance the resilience of the affected communities against inter-communal clashes, armed banditry and terrorist attacks.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo said the ultimate objective of the move is to provide the residents with alternative avenues to sustainable livelihoods through targeted interventions in different sectors.
Throughout the years, conflicts in the Northern parts of Kenya have largely been resource-based. It is such a complex question that can only be answered through socio-economic empowerment and building resilient communities.
Read: World Food Programme To Donate KSh 7Bilion To Combat Drought In Kenya
Led by Peter Taniform, Head of the Infrastructure Sector in Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda, the team sought immediate operationalization of the Security Management Plan that has been drafted as a prelude to the proposed accelerated delivery phase.
Omollo acknowledged the challenges previously encountered by project implementation personnel and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to optimize staff safety and the security of their equipment.
The PS also prescribed a consolidated Security Management Strategy for the subsequent activities to eliminate possible constraints to smooth operations.
“We won’t take such crucial and long-term solutions for granted. We expect the implementation phase to be smooth. We already have a framework of coordination and implementation of National Government programs and projects,” he said.
Read: World Bank Approves An Increase In Kenya’s Loan Request By KSh. 32 Billion
NEDI program focuses on various sectors, key among them energy, transport, urban development, health, education, water, agriculture, environment, social protection and good governance.
Email your news TIPS to editor@thesharpdaily.com
