Reduce suffering in northern Kenya

Posted Tuesday, June 15 2010 on Daily Nation

Northern Kenya was described by a British writer as one half of Kenya which the other half knows nothing about and cares very little to know what is happening.

This area has suffered inequalities due to historical injustices, a situation that has denied locals their fundamental civic, political, social, cultural and economic rights.

It is a well-known fact that Northern Kenya, and specifically upper Eastern Province, has a low literacy rate of 8.3 per cent compared to the nation’s 61.6 per cent. This is a major contributor to poverty.

The region suffers marginalisation and the levels of insecurity betray characteristics of an ungoverned area. The Shifta War, which ended in 1967, contributed to insecurity and persistent banditry.

The major economic activity is pastoralism. Challenges encountered in this sector include prolonged droughts, inability to access relevant information or marketing and lack of organised livestock marketing systems.

Despite the appointment of one of our own, Isiolo North MP M. A. Kuti as the minister for Livestock, no improvement has been seen in this sector.

It is a pity that the ministry was ranked last among ministries and government parastatals during the last performance index.

Other major challenges include food insecurity, with many residents depending on relief food, uneven water distribution and a poor transport network.

The government has tried to decentralise development funds, but due to the selfishness of many leaders, this money only benefits a small group of people.

As a result, areas such as Malka Gala, Dadacha Basa and Badana lack water both for human and livestock, resulting in cholera outbreaks. Action needs to be taken.

HASSAN SHANO,

Isiolo