North-Eastern Parliamentary Group Unveils Master Plan to Address Decades of Marginalization
The North-Eastern Parliamentary Group (NE-PG) concluded a three-day stakeholders’ engagement conference at the Serena Beach Hotel, aiming to unify political leaders, professionals, and opinion leaders from the region. The forum highlighted a collective commitment to tackle the systemic underdevelopment that has persisted for over 60 years.
Hon. Yakub Salah, Secretary General of the Caucus, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Our shared objective is to chart a collective path towards addressing the pressing challenges facing the region.” He noted that the North-Eastern region has been historically excluded from the national development agenda.
Concerns about poor infrastructure and lack of basic services were raised by Hon. Ummulkheir Kassim of Mandera County, who revealed that approximately 851,000 pupils in the region are unable to attend school. Hon. Yusuf Hassan of Kamukunji underscored the need for action, stating, “What we want now is a master plan and action. No one will develop your area without you walking together.”
The forum resolved to create a comprehensive master plan that aligns regional needs with national development goals. Hon. Hussein Weytan, Vice Chairperson of the group, reiterated the call for collective efforts in developing this strategic blueprint, which aims to foster economic growth, infrastructure improvement, and social progress.
The proposed master plan will guide critical infrastructure projects, including the urgent construction of roads such as Modogashe-Samatar and Rhamu-Mandera. Hon. Salah pointed out that enhancing connectivity through these routes is vital for the region’s development.
Patron of the group, Hon. Farah Maalim, expressed gratitude for the successful discussions and reaffirmed the caucus’s commitment to advocating for increased investments in essential sectors, including healthcare, education, and climate resilience.
Chairperson Hon. Adan Keynan emphasized the unity of the Somali community in the North East, urging residents to leverage their shared identity for regional advancement. The conference also called for the enactment of the Livestock Bill 2024, aimed at establishing the Livestock and Livestock Products Marketing and Development Authority, alongside improved funding for the livestock sector.
Additionally, the group proposed a government-financed medical insurance scheme to alleviate healthcare costs for North Eastern residents and called for the swift completion of the Horn of Africa Gateway Project.
To address the educational crisis, the forum demanded the deployment of trained, unemployed teachers to the region and the strengthening of adult education programs.
In closing, both Hon. Maalim and Hon. Keynan expressed their appreciation for the support from the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, and the Clerk, Mr. Samuel Njoroge, in facilitating the forum’s success. The NE-PG aims to restore the North Eastern region’s rightful place in Kenya’s development agenda.
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