In a significant step towards sustainable development, government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders have convened in Nairobi to address the pressing challenges facing Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) communities.
Led by the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for East Africa Community Affairs, ASALs and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul, the consultative meeting focused on harmonizing efforts, improving efficiency, and ensuring impactful investments in these regions.
The CS noted that the Ministry plays a crucial role in overseeing projects in ASAL areas adding that after years of individual engagements with development partners, it is still evident that a unified approach is needed. "Numerous initiatives have been implemented nevertheless, reports from the Office of the President on the BETA program indicate that many regions still struggle with poverty, inadequate livestock management, and unstable livelihoods," she highlighted.
According to the CS, this realization underscored the necessity of streamlining efforts, avoiding duplication, and aligning projects with government priorities and community needs. "This meeting is to emphasize the importance of value for money, and ensuring that every shilling invested delivers tangible benefits to communities," stressed Askul.
