North Rift Counties Unite to Boost Economy and Promote Peace Through NOREB Initiative
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya joined his colleagues today in Eldoret in adopting the NOREB bill, creating a legal foundation for the economic cooperation of 8 North Rift Counties.
The agreement aims to capitalize on each county’s competitive advantages and deepen collaboration through trade and joint investments. The governors also coordinated the preparations for the first bi-annual devolution conference, focusing on “10 years of devolution: The present and the future,” and exploring measures to support economic empowerment in the Kerio Valley belt.
Governor Natembeya further explained that the NOREB bill would strengthen the North Rift Partner counties through trade and joint investments, while mitigating the effects of climate change and security challenges like cattle rustling.
The vision of the bloc is to create a Haven of Economic Prosperity under the motto of “Growing Together” by enhancing trade, investment, tourism, competitiveness, and economies of scale through synergy. The bloc will act as a one-stop-shop for investors seeking opportunities in the region and enable individual counties to attract and implement large projects.
Through NOREB, each county will champion a sector, including Trade, Investment & Urbanisation, Health, ICT & Digital Economy, Blue Economy, Livestock, Agriculture, Peace, Security & Cohesion, Climate Change, Sports & Tourism, Human Capital Development, Infrastructure, Youth & Creative Industry, and Gender.
Governor Natembeya also addressed the issue of banditry and the national government’s security operation in the five North Rift Counties. NOREB has organized a Peace Summit in Trans Nzoia on June 8th and 9th, bringing together political and community leaders to develop a common approach for long-term peace in the region. The summit aims to propose sustainable remedies informed by the region’s understanding, communities, and underlying causes of conflict.
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