Thika: Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande has commended the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and Horn of Africa Development Initiative (HODI) for their significant contributions towards addressing pressing challenges in the region. Speaking at a project progress review meeting in Marsabit town, Kamande highlighted that the initiatives undertaken by these organizations align closely with the objectives of both county and national government efforts.
According to Kenya News Agency, the meeting served as a platform for enhancing collaboration, minimizing duplication, and supporting the achievement of the project’s objectives. Commissioner Kamande emphasized that VSO and HODI are effectively augmenting government efforts in tackling issues such as drought, climate change, peace, and security, while also bolstering community livelihoods. He noted the continued impact of prolonged drought, climate change, and cross-border insecurity on communities within Marsabit County.
The Commissioner called upon other development partners to join forces with government initiatives to address these challenges and fortify resilience in the county. Dr. Telesqen Alemu Tilahun, VSO Resilient Border Project Implementation Lead, explained that the project aims to enhance climate adaptation, peace, livelihoods, and preparedness among cross-border communities in Kenya and Ethiopia.
Dr. Tilahun disclosed that the project, operational in Sololo and Moyale in Kenya, and Miyo and Moyale in Ethiopia, commenced in November of last year and is slated to continue until November 202. With funding of 2. million Euros from International Partnership Austria, the project seeks to bolster community resilience against drought and floods through climate adaptation, improved water and natural resources management, and reinforced governance systems in cross-border communities.
The initiative also focuses on improving livelihoods for pastoralists and small businesses via green entrepreneurship, stronger cross-border markets, and enhanced coordination systems. Dr. Tilahun highlighted the project’s commitment to promoting social cohesion and peace through fortified community and cross-border conflict resolution mechanisms.
The project will also fortify crisis preparedness and response through improved risk monitoring and anticipatory action. Interventions in Moyale and Sololo include climate-smart agriculture, livestock restocking, pastureland rehabilitation, fodder storage, and water harvesting. Other measures encompass alternative livelihoods such as beekeeping, poultry, and small businesses, strengthening early warning systems, climate information services, kitchen gardening irrigation support, and the provision of drought-tolerant seeds.
Dr. Tilahun emphasized that project progress has been shared with county and national government officials to ensure collaboration, prevent duplication, and support the realization of the project’s goals. Dr. Armara Galwab, Marsabit County Executive Committee Member for Culture, Gender, and Social Services, separately lauded VSO and HODI for their previous support to pastoral communities in Marsabit County.
Dr. Galwab noted that the current cross-border resilience project incorporates a climate change component, addressing a significant challenge affecting many areas of the country. He also highlighted the importance of the peace component, especially as the country approaches the General Election, given that political issues could impact communities.
He pointed out that cattle rustling and cross-border insecurity persist as challenges in Moyale and Sololo areas of Marsabit County. Galwab expressed appreciation for VSO and HODI’s efforts in complementing the work of national and county governments, noting the involvement of government staff in project implementation.
The CECM further stated that the project has identified vulnerable community members, and that interventions unfeasible by the organizations can be undertaken by other partners or incorporated into the county’s County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) and annual development plans.
Marsabit County Government welcomes the project and expressed gratitude to VSO, HODI, and other partners for their developmental activities in the county. Dr. Galwab emphasized that sustained collaboration between communities, government, and development partners is crucial to building a more resilient and peaceful Marsabit, particularly in the face of climate change, drought, and cross-border insecurity.
