The meeting was crucial as it focused on reviewing development projects and addressing major issues affecting these regions, which often face challenges like drought and poor infrastructure.
The ASAL counties are part of the North and North East Development Initiative (NEDI), a program designed to improve the livelihoods of people in the arid regions of Kenya.
Leaders from ten counties were expected to participate in this meeting to discuss and review the ongoing projects that would bring positive changes to their counties.
However, only a few counties were represented, including Isiolo, West Pokot, Turkana, and Samburu. This low turnout deeply disappointed Gachagua, who emphasized that these discussions were vital for the development of the entire region.
Gachagua made it clear that the presence of all the elected leaders was crucial to ensure that no county is left behind in the development efforts.
By failing to show up, he argued, many of the leaders had missed the chance to address the specific problems facing their regions, which could have been discussed and acted upon during the meeting.
He worried that by skipping the meeting, these leaders had let down their constituents, who rely on them to voice their concerns at such important forums.
The Deputy President was particularly concerned that those who attended, like representatives from Isiolo County, were able to raise key issues affecting their people.
For instance, they brought forward important concerns that would help shape current and future development projects in their area. If the other counties had been represented, similar problems from their regions could have been highlighted, potentially leading to solutions that would improve the lives of their citizens.
Despite the absence of many elected leaders, the meeting was attended by several senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries Julius Ogamba (Education), Alice Wahome (Lands), and Eric Mugaa (Water).
Their presence showed the importance of the meeting, as their ministries play key roles in the development projects that were being discussed.
However, Gachagua stressed that the input of the county leaders was just as important as that of the national government officials.
He regretted that despite the clear importance of the meeting and the fact that invitations had been sent out to all the relevant leaders, many chose not to attend.
Gachagua hinted that the failure to prioritize this meeting might reflect poorly on those leaders and their commitment to the people who elected them.
The Deputy President described the absenteeism as a missed opportunity for the ASAL counties to actively participate in shaping their future. He highlighted that the review of government investments in these regions is a collective effort that requires the input of everyone involved.
Without the participation of all the counties, Gachagua warned that the risk of further marginalization of some areas was very real. This could lead to delays in much-needed development projects and solutions to the challenges facing these regions.
He urged the leaders who attended to question their absent colleagues on why they chose to skip such a crucial forum. Gachagua was clear that the government’s focus on addressing the challenges in the ASAL regions would continue, but full cooperation from the leaders of these areas was essential to make meaningful progress.
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