PS KELLO HARSAMA CALLS FOR STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE PEACE AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN THE OMO–TURKANA CORRIDOR
Principal Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama delivered a keynote address during the Roundtable Breakfast Meeting on Advancing Cross-Border Stability and Regional Integration in the Omo–Turkana Corridor, hosted by International Alert in Nairobi.
The high-level forum brought together leaders, policymakers, development partners and representatives of borderland communities to deliberate on strategies aimed at strengthening peace, regional integration and sustainable development within the Omo–Turkana Corridor.
Among those present were Ateker Peace Envoy Peter Munyes, Turkana West Member of Parliament, Hon.Daniel Nanok, Turkana North Member of Parliament, Hon. Paul Ekwom Nabuin, as well as representatives from both levels of government and various development organizations working across the region.
In his address, the PS highlighted the critical role played by the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development in coordinating non-governmental organizations and development partners to ensure that interventions respond effectively to the priorities and needs of local communities. He noted that aligning programmes with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) is essential in delivering sustainable and people-centered development across ASALs and borderland regions.
The PS emphasized that enhanced coordination among stakeholders is key to preventing duplication of programmes and resources while improving efficiency, accountability and long-term impact. He stated that stronger collaboration between government institutions, development partners and communities would contribute significantly to addressing persistent challenges facing border communities, including insecurity, resource-based conflicts and limited access to socio-economic opportunities.
He further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence and strengthening regional cooperation as a pathway towards economic growth and stability in cross-border areas.
The meeting also reviewed the progress and challenges in implementing the Kakuma Resolutions and the Turmi Dialogue Communiqué, which continue to guide collaborative peacebuilding efforts and regional integration initiatives within the corridor. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing national and regional peacebuilding frameworks aimed at enhancing cross-border stability, promoting dialogue among communities and supporting inclusive development.
The Omo–Turkana Corridor remains a strategic region linking communities across Kenya and neighboring countries, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for sustained investment in peacebuilding, infrastructure development and socio-economic empowerment to unlock the area’s full potential.
The State Department for ASALs and Regional Development reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, regional integration and sustainable development in ASALs and borderland areas through strengthened partnerships, coordinated action and community-driven interventions.
