By Betty Luke
Calls for unity and strengthening of partnership among Isiolo, Samburu, and Marsabit counties to enable the devolved units to reap significantly from existing opportunities in the region dominated the recent Northern Kenya investment conference that sought to market the three counties as potential investment avenues.
Key speakers both from the private and development sectors stressed the need to establish a sustainable collaboration mechanism among the three pastoralist counties to ensure communities build resilience against perennial climatic challenges.
Themed Unveiling Opportunities, Redefining Northern Kenya as an Investable Destination the USAID KUZA-led conference brought together stakeholders from the three counties, private investors, development partners, and entrepreneurs who not only showcased their products and innovations but also discussed challenges and available opportunities for collaborations.
Ali Wako, a camel milk vendor from Marsabit, said there was a need for communities from the three counties to coexist peacefully as peace was a crucial ingredient to a thriving economy and business.
He said it was challenging transporting animal products from Marsabit to Isiolo due to banditry along the Isiolo-Moyale highway.
“So many people have lost their lives and property due to highway banditry along the Isiolo-Marsabit route which continues to scare away potential investors from within and beyond the region,” he told The Press Point.
USAID East Africa Resilience Coordinator Jennifer Maurer said although the region had been historically marginalized, there existed numerous opportunities that, if properly utilized, would help build resilience and adaptation by the residents.
“Northern Kenya region is not only poised for growth but potential to thrive and provide an opportunity where every individual lives in dignity,” said Ms Maurer adding that through collective efforts, the region’s economic and development potential would be adequately leveraged.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan said that the three counties took pride in numerous investment opportunities in the tourism, livestock, and agricultural sectors which if adequately explored, would be of great benefit.
The county boss however lamented the delayed expansion of the Isiolo International Airport runaway which he said once complete would boost tourism and ease the export of meat and horticultural products.
“I appeal to the Kenya Airports Authority to expedite the expansion of the runway to encourage cargo and passenger airlines to the route which will consequently breathe life into the airport,” he said.
Marsabit Deputy Governor Solomon Gumbo called for investment collaborations in tapping renewable energy sources to reach maximum potential.
“Marsabit landscape provides a suitable orientation to harness clean energy contributing to sustainable development goals and creating potential business opportunities in the energy sector,” noted Mr Gumbo who represented Governor Mohammud Ali.
Samburu County Secretary Wilson Lesuuda called for the adoption of better investment techniques as a way of helping pastoralist communities to abandon retrogressive cultural practices.
