Peace building investment pact for Northern Kenya
By Benard Mulwa.
The Principal Secretary State Department for Devolution Ms Teresia Mbaika together with Governors of Marsabt, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Mandera Counties, Interpeace and other development partners has joined efforts to deliberate on how investment can be a force in peace.
In her speech today,the PS told journalists that the government and interpeace are working on a memorandum of understanding which is aimed at enhancing efforts in peace build, sustainable development and peace positive investment in Northern Kenya. This MoU will establish a collaborative framework that will guide governments work within its respective mandate.
The PS noted that the nexus between peace building and investment area tangible opportunities for transformative change.
MS Mbaika also said that investing in Northern Kenya presents a dual opportunity adding that there is significant potential for finance return in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure which are profitable and also contributes to the broader of social economics development goals and overall social stability and ultimately peace. “investments that prioritize local engagement, support community driven development and respect to social fabric can play a pivotal role in reinforcing peace and stability” she said adding that governments vision for Northern Kenya is one where investment goes hand in hand with initiatives that Foster social cohension, economic resilience and long term stability.
The PS further noted that peace building consideratios needs to be better intergrated into development finance and mainstreamed into investment approach. However the PS outlined that all key players need a common investment principle that avoid creating conflict and have the potential to build peace for a stable economy in society. Together with interpeace, the government is working to underscore the vital aspects of its strategy peace-positive investment by aligning investment opportunities with peace building efforts by creating mutual benefits for both investors and local communities which reduces risks for investors and communities and can achieve both bankable and peace positive outcomes.
The PS also observed that governments commitment is common to interpeace is not only a moral obligation, it is an economic strategy one that can unlock unprecedented opportunities for stable development “we do this be ensuring that every step towards economic growth is accompanied by conscious efforts to maintain and enhance stability,” she said in her remarks.
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