The inaugural arid and semi-arid conference bringing together 29 counties is set to begin in Malindi County. The conference organized by the Ministry of Devolution and Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will be running under the theme ‘unlocking the potential of ASALs for accelerated national development.’
The four day conference aims at creating a platform for prioritisation and realigning of ASALs development agenda with the national development priorities.
The 29 ASAL counties are Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia, Narok, Kajiado, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Embu, Migori, Homa Bay, Nakuru and Kiambu.
ASAL Committee Chairman and Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal said the conference will give insights to issues cross cutting across sectors giving precedence on big four.
Issues to be covered, he noted will be in areas of food security, social integration, ending drought emergencies and acceleration of economic development.
Governor Lenolkulal called on private sectors to partner with them towards the success of ASAL conference in unlocking the potential of ASALs.
The conference aims at sealing the Government and other stakeholders’ resolve to increase focus and accelerated investment in the ASALs and ensure all Kenyans have an equal chance in sharing the promise of our Constitution.
