Terrorism may hinder growth in 11 counties
What you need to know:
- Eleven counties, where the proposed Lapsset corridor will pass, have been singled out, with four of these facing challenges of terrorist attacks, while six are ravaged by conflicts, either among local communities, or from cross-border attacks.
- Garrissa, Isiolo, Lamu, Marsabit and Turkana, of which the Lapsset transport corridor will pass through, have been impacted by terrorism.
- The report notes that the country’s national development base faces challenges from extremism, local conflicts, security challenges and devolution.
Terrorism, youth radicalization and communal conflicts pose a danger to planned mega infrastructure projects and may affect growth in at least 11 counties, a report shows.
The economic rewards that come with devolution of resources to the counties is also a double-edged sword as it could fuel conflict at the grassroots, especially if corruption at the county level is not addressed.
These were the findings of Think Security Africa report, that also warns that the threat of Al-Shabaab must be contained to secure emerging and existing economic interests in Nairobi, set to be the new financial hub for the region and oil and gas exploration in Lamu and Turkana counties.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BASE
The report notes that the country’s national development base faces challenges from extremism, local conflicts, security challenges and devolution.
Eleven counties, where the proposed Lapsset corridor will pass, have been singled out, with four of these facing challenges of terrorist attacks, while six are ravaged by conflicts, either among local communities, or from cross-border attacks.
Garrissa, Isiolo, Lamu, Marsabit and Turkana, of which the Lapsset transport corridor will pass through, have been impacted by terrorism.
Isiolo, Marsabit and Turkana, which are also set for huge infrastructure development, are ravaged by local conflicts, with Moyale, in Marsabit County, facing security threat posed by the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) rebels from the neighbouring Ethiopia.
Turkana, where massive deposits of oil and gas have been discovered, has also experienced constant attacks and raids from cattle rustlers from the neighbouring Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia, says the report.
Isiolo, where massive infrastructure growth, including a new airport is underway, is also ravaged by conflicts and violence among the local communities.
Other counties such as Mandera, Wajir and Kitui, which have shown huge economic potential, are also facing threats of terrorism.
