Eldoret: The North Rift Economic Block (NOREB) Governors have commended the national government's short-term interventions that have brought about relative peace and calm in the volatile Kerio Valley region. Their Chairman, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, expressed gratitude for the government's efforts to stabilize an area that witnessed a recent flare-up of conflict, including the tragic killing of Father Alois Bett, a Catholic priest.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a press briefing held after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) in Eldoret, the governors highlighted the need to address underlying challenges for long-term peace and stability in the region. Governor Sang emphasized the necessity of a development marshal plan, expressing NOREB's commitment to collaborating with partners and the national government to transform the Kerio Valley's economy.
The MoU between KVDA and NOREB aims to sustainably exploit the region's resources across the eight counties and to jointly identify opportunities for sustainable development benefiting local communities. Dr. Godfrey Chesang, NOREB Chief Executive Officer, and Sammy Naboros, KVDA Managing Director, were the signatories of the agreement.
Additionally, NOREB signed another MoU with the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), with Rev. Dr. Elias Otieno Agola representing the religious group. Governor Sang noted the potential for agricultural, mineral, and mining sector growth in Kerio Valley, advocating for a synergy between KVDA, NCCK, NOREB, and the national government to sustain peace and stability.
The governors stressed that the wellbeing of Kerio Valley directly impacts the surrounding counties, urging collaboration among stakeholders to ensure lasting peace. They called upon the local community to work with NOREB to silence the guns and harness the region's potential for national benefit.
Despite the national government's plans to reduce regional development authorities, the governors expressed their desire for KVDA to continue with an expanded mandate as an implementing agency for projects in the NOREB counties. KVDA is among six regional development agencies proposed for dissolution to streamline service delivery and eliminate role duplication under Kenya's devolved system.
Present at the MoU signing were Governors Wesley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), Simon Kachapin (West Pokot), and Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu), along with Deputy Governors Dr. Yulita Cheruyot (Nandi) and Eng. Felix Kipn'gok (Baringo).