Ten counties in Kenya to benefit from USD1.2m World Bank fund kitty

The ten counties are found in North and North Eastern Kenya.
The World Bank is already investing about 20 per cent close of its current $6.9 billion commitments in the north and north eastern counties.

Ten counties in the North and North Eastern Kenya are set to benefit from a world kitty aimed at spurring development in the region.

Under the banner of North and North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI) covering Mandera, Garissa, Isiolo, Lamu, Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir and West Pokot, the counties will receive Sh120 billion ($1.2m) to support off grid solar access for the underserved counties, climate smart agriculture, water and sanitation development.

Speaking at Garissa University grounds as the NEDI project was launched, Cabinet Secretary for Devolution, Eugene Wamalwa who read President Uhuru Kenyatta's message said the Jubilee administration will support projects in marginalised areas.

The World Bank is already investing about 20 per cent close of its current $6.9 billion commitments in the north and north eastern counties.

Ms Helene Carrison Rex, the Programme leader for NEDI from the World Bank, said the aim of funds is to attract investments to the region to complement ongoing government efforts to improve equity and reduce extreme poverty.

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Governors Ali Roba (Mandera), Ali Korane (Garissa), Josephat Nanok (Turkana) Hassan Abdi (Wajir), Mohammed Kuti (Isiolo) Mohamud Mohamed Ali (Marsabit) were joined by Cabinet Secretaries Eugene Wamalwa (Devolution) and Ukur Yatani (Labour) in the launch of the initiative in Garissa.

They urged donors and investors to inject fresh life into the counties that have suffered marginalisation since independence.

They also underscored the need for increased access to modern energy services to households.

"After devolution, this is the second largest transformative project in the region and residents now have a feeling of inclusivity and will have profound impact on populations," said Mr Roba who is also the chairman of the Frontier Counties Development Council.

Similarly, earmarked for funding is the North Eastern Transport Improvement Project, the Development of response to displacement impacts projects and national safety net Programme additional financing.