Three Kenyan county governments and the World Bank have agreed on a Sh10-billion Development Response to Displacement Impacts project. The initiative, which is aimed at improving access to water, healthcare, education and building resilience of communities in northern Kenya, will see Garissa, Wajir and Turkana benefit from it.
The project is part of the World Bank’s Sh120-billion North and North Eastern Development Initiative that also covers Marsabit, Samburu, Mandera, West Pokot, Lamu, Tana River and Isiolo. In presence of Deputy President Willian Ruto, leaders from the three counties on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding, ushering in the fast-tracking of the implementation of the projects.
“The projects are targeted to reduce the impacts caused by longstanding presence of refugees. I am glad we have agreed on the way forward whereby the projects would be implemented through community-driven development approach,” noted Dr Ruto.
In the recent past, the Initiative has been facing non-cooperation from some governors on claims that they were being sidelined.
The Deputy President urged the leaders to ensure everyone is involved in the projects to make them a success.”You must also intensify public participation as you strive to transform Northern Kenya,” he explained.
Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok who attended the meeting said the programme will go a long way in helping host communities.He asked the implementation committees to do diligent work and adhere to value for money.
A fortnight ago, the World Bank pledged to support the turnaround of the so-called marginalized areas in Kenya.
