The World Bank, an international financial institution, and three county governments have agreed on a Sh10 billion Development Response to Displacement Impacts project. The initiative is aimed to boost any projects in the arid regions.
The three county governments, Garissa, Wajir and Turkana will benefit in terms of improved access to healthcare, water, education and building resilience. This project is a part of the World Bank’s Sh120 billion North and North Eastern Development Initiative that also includes other regions such as Tana River, Lamu, West Pokot, Isiolo, Mandera, Samburu and Marsabit.
Deputy President William Ruto who witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties to fast-track the implementation of the projects hailed the programmes for their ability to improve the lives of residents.
“The project will support interventions to strengthen livelihoods and create sustainable local economies in benefiting counties of Wajir, Garissa and Turkana. It is aimed at improving access to social services, including water and sanitation, primary health care, education and building the resilience of communities in northern Kenya that are host to refugees,” he said.
Josephat Nanok, Turkana Governor, who was also present during the signing, said the programme will go a long way in helping host communities and also asked the implementation committees to ensure they do diligent work and adhere to value for money.
Not long ago, the World Bank had pledge to support the turnaround of the so-called marginalized areas in Kenya. According to Helene Carlsson Rex, the World Bank’s programme leader of sustainable development, the group will not only provide resources but also use modern technology to monitor funds’ use and development projects in these
regions.
