Trans Nzoia County and Netherlands Strengthen Collaboration for Development
In a promising display of international cooperation, Governor George Natembeya welcomed the Netherlands Ambassador to Kenya, Maarten Brouwer, to his office for discussions on enhancing the development agenda of the county.
The meeting, held on Tuesday morning, witnessed a reaffirmation of commitment from Ambassador Brouwer to bolstering relations and supporting Trans Nzoia administration’s development efforts.
Ambassador Brouwer outlining five key areas of focus that his government is eager to prioritize, with the aim of improving the living standards of the county’s residents.
The fields of agriculture, primary healthcare, and the fight against violent extremism were identified as crucial sectors for collaboration. “Our partnership in these areas will significantly contribute to improving the quality of life,” stated Ambassador Brouwer.
Responding to Governor Natembeya’s concerns, the ambassador emphasized the Netherlands’ dedication to water and horticulture projects.
He revealed plans to launch a program facilitating the transportation of fresh flowers from the port of Mombasa to the Netherlands, acknowledging the significance of agriculture and horticulture to Trans Nzoia County.
It was disclosed that approximately 26 percent of the Netherlands’ fresh flower imports are sourced from Kenya.
Healthcare also featured prominently in the discussions, as Ambassador Brouwer shared insights into potential private partnerships with multinational companies, including Philips.
These collaborations would lead to equipping of the the Trans Nzoia County Teaching and Reference Hospital, which is nearly complete, and help alleviate congestion at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, which currently bears the burden of accommodating a significant number of patients from Trans Nzoia.
Youth empowerment was another area of active engagement for the Dutch government. Ambassador Brouwer highlighted their efforts in providing training on countering violent extremism in various parts of Kenya, aiming to empower and protect the country’s young population.
Expressing his gratitude for the ambassador’s visit, Governor Natembeya underlined the primary objective of reviewing ongoing programs between the Kenyan and Dutch people.
The discussions covered essential topics such as primary healthcare, food security, water, trade, and stability. Both parties agreed to initiate further dialogues to empower local communities and foster continued collaboration.