Peace opens pastoralist region to investment, Wetang’ula says.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has highlighted how improved peace among pastoralist communities in northern Kenya is paving the way for education, trade and investment opportunities. Wetang’ula emphasized that the cooperation between the Government, the Catholic Church, elders, and local communities has been crucial in reducing conflicts among the Pokot, Turkana, and neighboring groups.

He stressed that peace is essential for development, as it enables communities to trade, educate their children, invest, and fully participate in regional development. Speaking at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Sigor Constituency, West Pokot County, Wetang’ula praised the Church for its role in promoting peace and reconciliation, particularly the leadership of Bishop Emeritus Anthony Crowley, who supported initiatives that facilitated dialogue and community outreach.

Wetang’ula also called for the peacebuilding efforts to be extended to other pastoralist counties such as West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, and Baringo, noting that stability would allow communities to benefit from the region’s mineral wealth. He cited the Cemtech clinker plant in West Pokot as an example of a project that could generate jobs and stimulate economic activity if local communities were involved.

Wetang’ula highlighted the planned Sh18 billion Maili Tisa-Mois Bridge-Kitale-Makutano-Kapenguria-Turkana road as a significant infrastructure project that would enhance connectivity and open economic opportunities. He urged all stakeholders, including religious leaders, government agencies, elders, and residents, to maintain their efforts in protecting the peace that has been achieved.

Additionally, Wetang’ula urged Kenyans to register as voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote and criticized opposition leaders for lacking a clear alternative agenda, urging residents to support President William Ruto’s administration to facilitate the implementation of development projects.