National Pastoralists Conference Opens with Call for Sustainable Solutions and Sector Coordination
The three-day National Pastoralists Conference officially kicked off in Garissa with a strong call for sustainable development solutions and improved coordination within the sector. The event was opened by Garissa County Governor, Hon. Nadhif Jamaa, who emphasized the importance of such forums in creating pathways to address the challenges faced by pastoral communities in Kenya.
In his address, Governor Jamaa assured the attendees that discussions during the conference would lead to actionable solutions for the development of the pastoralist sector, which is a critical source of livelihood for communities living in arid and semi-arid regions.
The conference also featured remarks by Prof. Nura Mohamed, Director General of the Kenya School of Government, who was represented by Dr. Tom Wanyama, Acting Director of Finance and Administration. Dr. Wanyama highlighted the urgent need for a more coordinated approach to tackling the complex issues affecting pastoralism, including climate change, access to resources, and economic opportunities.
Prof. Mohamed further encouraged the active participation of both the public and private sectors in the development of pastoralism. He noted that collaborative efforts from various stakeholders are essential to support and sustain the livelihoods of pastoral communities, many of whom face increasing pressures from environmental changes and limited resources.
This year’s conference brings together government officials, experts, and community leaders to discuss key issues and explore innovative solutions aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of pastoralism in Kenya.