State Department For the ASALs and Regional Development

Principal Secretary, Harsama Kello together with first lady Mama Rachel Ruto ,EGH, Visited families affected by floods in Thika West Sub County at St. John Kilimambogo Teachers College, Thika.

State Department for the ASALs and Regional Development wishes you a happy Labour Day!

PS Harsama Kello, alongside CS Moses Kuria, Nairobi Governor, Sakaja Johnson, and Mathare North MP Anthony Oluoch, distributed relief food to over 3000 families affected by floods in Mathare.

Standing United in Solidarity: PS Harsama Kello Visits Mai Mahiu Flood Victims

In a heartfelt response to the devastating flooding in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, PS Harsama Kello expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives and destruction of property caused by the bursting of the Old Kijabe Dam. "My heart goes out to the families, friends, and relatives impacted by the heartbreaking loss of loved ones," he said.

Accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi and other leaders, PS Harsama Kello visited the affected area, witnessing firsthand the widespread devastation caused by the relentless floodwaters. The scene was distressing, with homes destroyed, livelihoods washed away, and communities left reeling from the disaster.

Despite the immense challenges, PS Harsama Kello assured the victims and their communities that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting them during this difficult time. "Rest assured, we stand united in solidarity and empathy, offering our unwavering support to those affected by this tragic event," he affirmed.

The visit highlighted the urgent need for coordinated efforts to provide relief and assistance to the flood victims. PS Harsama Kello emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing the immediate needs of the affected communities and in implementing long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.

As the nation comes together to support the Mai Mahiu flood victims, PS Harsama Kello's visit serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Government's Swift Response to Floods: PS Harsama Kello Leads Assessment Mission in Garrisa and Tana River Counties

In response to the devastating floods that have wreaked havoc in several regions across the country, PS Harsama Kello recently led an assessment mission to Garrisa and Tana River counties. The purpose of the mission was to assess the impact of the floods and evaluate the needs of those affected.

Accompanying PS Kello on this crucial mission were several notable figures, including Garissa Township MP Major (Rtd) Mohamed Dekow, Tana River Senator Danston Mungatana, Bura MP Yakub Adow, Tana River Women representative Amina Dika, and Tana River County Commissioner David Korir. Their presence underscored the government's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by flood victims.

During the assessment, the team witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by the floods, including damaged homes, displaced families, and disrupted livelihoods. In response to these challenges, the government has taken swift action by dispatching relief food and other essential supplies to aid those affected by the floods not only in Garrisa and Tana River counties but also in other affected regions across the country.

Speaking during the mission, PS Kello expressed his sympathy for those affected by the floods and reassured them of the government's commitment to providing assistance. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies, local leaders, and communities to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and build resilience.

The assessment mission in Garrisa and Tana River counties is part of the government's broader efforts to address the challenges posed by floods and other natural disasters. By working together and taking swift action, the government and its partners are determined to provide relief and support to those in need, ensuring that they can recover and rebuild their lives.

PS Kello Harsama attended the official signing ceremony of the Joint Programme to "Sustainably Unlock the Economic Potential of Lake Turkana."

The programme is structured around three pillars, each with specific objectives aimed at enhancing the livelihoods and economic wellbeing of communities in the Lake Turkana region.

This five-year Programme is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with key stakeholders including the National Government, Marsabit County Government, and Turkana County Government.

The State Department for the ASALs and Regional Development wishes you a blessed and joyful Eid-Ul Fitr.
Eid Mubarak

Visiting the Ewaso Ng'iro South Development Authority(ENSDA) Tannery and Leather Factory

The Principal Secretary- State Department for the ASALs and Regional Development PS Kello Harsama ,together with staff from Ewaso Ngiro Development Authority accompanied the Cabinet Secretary CS Peninah Malonza during the visit of the Tannery and Leather Factory in Narok County.

The PS expressed the committment of the Government towards expanding and optimizing the operations of the Tannery and Leather Factory in addition to facilitating an increase in production to meet the demands of both local and international markets.

The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between different levels of Government. By working together, both the National and County Governments are determined to ensure the realization of government BETA agenda, fostering development and prosperity of our economy.

Towards the 15 billion trees by 2032

The Government led by H.E President Ruto initiated planting of 15 billion trees by 2032, a move aimed at: reducing greenhouse emissions, stopping and reversing deforestation and, restoring 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes through the African Landscape Restoration Initiative which was launched on 22nd December 2022.

This initiative unites governments, NGOs, businesses and individuals in a massive-scale nature restoration efforts to combat climate change and restore biodiversity. Hence the need to increase forest cover from the current 8.8 per cent to the required 10per cent before 2030, this will go along way in conserving the environment by purifying air and formation of rainfall which is significant in agricultural production.

The Ministry East African Community (EAC), the ASALs and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hon.Peninah Malonza E.G.H participated in a tree planting exercise during the visit to the Ewaso Ng'iro South Development Authority(ENSDA) - Tannery and Leather Factory, Narok County. The CS was accompanied by the Principal Secretary State Department for ASALs and Regional Development, PS Kello Harsama and staff of Ewaso Ng'iro South Development Authority(ENSDA)

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION: KDEF'S IMPACT ON MERILLE MIXED SECONDARY SCHOOL

Principal Secretary, Harsama Kello, attended the handing over of Kes 30 million worth of projects to Merille Mixed Secondary School by the Kenya Dryland Education Fund (KDEF). At the event, he had the privilege of launching the Livestock for Fees program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving education and living standards at the school. This program leverages the region's resources to provide financial support for education, thereby empowering local communities economically.

One of the key announcements made by KDEF was the provision of bursaries for 1400 students at Merille Mixed Secondary School, ensuring that education remains accessible to all, irrespective of financial constraints. Additionally, he had the honor of officiating the handing over of the Merille School Water Project, which will provide clean and sustainable water sources for the school and the surrounding community, a crucial step towards improving living conditions.

Moreover, the Principal Secretary was delighted to unveil a state-of-the-art, modern-equipped science laboratory and boys' dormitory, which are designed to enhance the quality of education and student well-being at the school. As part of KDEF's ongoing support, 50 lockers and chairs were also donated to the school, further enhancing the learning environment for the students.

Principal Secretary expressed his heartfelt gratitude to KDEF and its founder CEO, Kura Ahmed, for their unwavering support towards education. Moving forward, the government is committed to partnering with organizations like KDEF to support education in our schools, ensuring that every child has equal opportunities in education.

Empowering State Corporations: Mid-Year Performance Review for Strategic Success.

The State Department has recently undertaken a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing the performance and success of all State Corporations under its jurisdiction. The Mid-Year Performance Review, a meticulous process, has been initiated to ensure that the Department remains agile, focused, and successful in its endeavors.

The review process is more than just a routine exercise; it is a strategic approach to bring key personnel together for a comprehensive review session. This session provides a unique opportunity for employees to re-engage with the Department's overarching goals, reinforcing organizational alignment and clarifying mutual objectives. It also serves as a platform to promote collaboration and foster a positive, high-performance culture within the Department.

In today's dynamic landscape, the focus on public service delivery has shifted towards 'results'. Without clear targets, performance benchmarks, and standards, evaluating results becomes a challenging task. As Winston Churchill once said, "However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results."

Recognizing this, the Department emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and focus. These elements not only empower and motivate employees but also enable them to set clear priorities and think boldly. The Administration Secretary, Mr. Paul Muraya, reiterated the significance of regular target reviews, as they allow State Corporations to adjust their strategies and stay relevant. This is achieved by assessing their performance through a comparison of actual results against set targets.

In essence, the Mid-Year Performance Review ensures that State Corporations stay on track, adapt to changes, and remain steadfast in achieving their strategic objectives. It is a testament to the Department's commitment to excellence and its unwavering dedication to driving success at every level.

TRANSFORMING CHILD WELFARE IN KENYA: A COLLABORATION FOR IMPACT
Principal Secretary Harsama Kello joined forces with CS Peninah Malonza in a pivotal meeting that underscored their commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of Kenya's most vulnerable citizens – our children. The meeting, which included a courtesy call from UNICEF Representative Kenya, Shaheen Nilofer, focused on fostering collaboration that will transform the landscape of child welfare in Kenya.
During the meeting, the trio discussed various strategies to enhance collaboration between the government and UNICEF, with a keen focus on areas that directly impact children's lives. Their shared vision is to explore new avenues of cooperation that will address the most pressing issues facing children in Kenya today, from healthcare and education to protection and empowerment.
The collaboration between the Ministry of East Africa Community, Arid and Semi-Arid and Regional Development, and UNICEF Representative Kenya, Shaheen Nilofer, is a testament to their unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of children in Kenya. By working together, they aim to create a brighter future for all children, ensuring that they have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.