The Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya constitute approximately 80% of Kenya’s land mass and a home to about 20% of Kenya’s population, nearly 60% of National livestock and wildlife population are raised here, but for decades, these areas have been marginalized, seen as unproductive, with cattle rustling, drought, floods, insecurity and poverty hiding the great potential of the region in different sectors including tourism and livestock production.
In a bid to explore this potential, the Council of Governors Arid and Semi-Arid Committee, State Department of Arid and Semi Arid areas and Development partners convened a forum in Baringo County to discuss on strengthening coordination between the National Governments, County Governments, development partners, private sector and the public in development initiatives in ASALs.
According to the chair COG ASALs Committee Prof John Lonyangapuo, climate change has greatly contributed to the many disasters witnessed in the region including drought, he adds that though people are facing challenges including lack of food, there is need to develop a framework which will make the land habitable to the people.
Micah Bowen the Principal Secretary State Department of ASALs notes that there is a huge potential that can be tapped in the Arid and Semi Arid areas and this means there is need to develop resilience programming framework in order to cushion the people from the disasters including drought and floods.
Development partners are also ready to collaborate with the County and National governments in building capacities and enabling marginalized communities in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya break away from poverty.