Regional Development Committee Concludes Retreat With MDAs

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Regional Development Chaired by Hon. Peter Lochakapong concluded it’s familiarization retreat with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) today.

In her remarks, the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, Arid and Semi Arid Lands and Regional Development Ms. Rebecca Miano said that the Ministry has achieved several milestones such as: building the resilience of communities through community-based micro/high-impact resilience and drought preparedness projects, relief and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable households, rehabilitation of rangelands and early warning information among others.

She however noted that despite the achievement of the above key milestones, there have been several challenges in the implementation of the strategic plan. Some of the major challenges she said are; COVID-19, historical pending bills, drought and the Ukraine war.

“Currently, the Country is facing the worst drought in four decades. Approximately, 4.35 million people in ASALs and a further 846,318 in the non-traditional ASAL regions face acute food insecurity and require immediate relief assistance where 942,000 children below five years and 135,000 pregnant and lactating women require treatment for acute malnutrition,” said Ms. Miano.

Making her remarks the Principal Secretary for Devolution Ms. Teresia Malokwe thanked the Committee for organizing such a crucial engagement meeting.

“I will ensure that going forward we have many of these forums that will help us understand and identify areas what we can pull efforts together to better service delivery as well as make devolution work as envisioned by the Constitution,” she said.