Opinion: North Eastern Counties Neglected by Government
By Said Adan
As someone who ran for the Mandera County Senatorial bid in 2022 general election on the UPIA party under Azimio La Umoja Coalition, I have been able to experience first-hand struggles and challenges that come with representing a marginalized region like the Mandera County. I had hoped to use my platform to lobby for the fair share of the national cake, to ensure that the people of the north received the same attention and resources as those in other parts of the country.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t elected, and while I respect the democratic process, I can’t help but feel disheartened by the disparity in treatment between regions. It’s no secret that the northern regions of Kenya have been neglected for far too long, with limited access to basic amenities such as healthcare, education and proper infrastructure.
This neglect is further highlighted by the recent launch of multiple projects in Mount Kenya region by the current administration, while the north is constantly overlooked. The tarmacking of the Kaelo-Kamukunji-Mutuati road and the commissioning of the Kiirua Buuri Irrigation Development Project are just a few examples of the multiple projects that are launched in this region virtually every weekend, with little to no attention given to the north.
This situation is compounded further by the government’s decision to reduce the levies on miraa to boost earnings for the mountain farmers, without any consideration for the negative impact it would have on those who depend on the crop in the north. This move has left many chewers in the north jobless, with little to no prospects for the future.
Even in the face of these challenges, the national government still seems intent on reducing county allocations to the north, despite the already limited resources at our disposal. This lack of care for the needs of the north is unacceptable, and it’s time for our elected leaders to take a stand.
As someone who has experienced the difficulties of running for office in the north, I challenge our legislators to do more to lobby for national government projects in the constituencies they represent. We cannot afford to sit idly by and watch as our region is continually neglected, while others receive all the attention and resources.
If our elected representatives don’t take action, I believe they should consider resigning from their positions. The people of the north deserve better, and it’s time for our leaders to step up their game and deliver the change we so desperately need.
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