Governors in final stages of formalising North Rift economic bloc

Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok during the launch of North Rift Economic Bloc at the Laico Regency, Nairobi, on October 27, 2015. Governors from eight counties are working on formalising the Bloc. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The governors on Monday held a meeting at Cradle Hotel in Lodwar hosted by Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, who is the bloc’s vice-chairman.
  • The bloc’s chairman Jackson Mandago said it was formed to grow the region’s economy by boosting cooperation among members.
  • The bloc is made up by Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Trans Nzoia and Baringo counties.
  • The exercise will also relieve livestock traders from frequent closures of livestock markets due to disease.

Governors from eight counties are working on formalising the North Rift Economic Bloc formed in October last year.

They are hoping to complete a policy and legal framework by December 1.

The document is to serve as a blue print for “quick and lasting development in the region by creating a friendly business environment for local, national and foreign trade, investment and tourism”.

The governors on Monday held a meeting at Cradle Hotel in Lodwar hosted by Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, who is the bloc’s vice-chairman.

They said they would seek the input of the public and members of the eight county assemblies before activating the bloc in three months.

The bloc’s chairman Jackson Mandago, who is also the Uasin Gishu governor, said it was formed to grow the region’s economy by boosting cooperation among members. The bloc is made up by Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Trans Nzoia and Baringo counties.

Addressing journalists on Monday evening, Mr Mandago said the bloc’s operations would be anchored in law and guided by relevant policies.

One of the block’s immediate tasks would be to harmonise animal disease control programmes since livestock farming is common to the eight counties.

“Counties have been tasked with coordination so that we vaccinate all our livestock at the same time in order to...make North Rift region a disease-free zone.” Mr Mandago said.

The exercise will also relieve livestock traders from frequent closures of livestock markets due to disease.

Governors Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia), Cleophas Lagat (Nandi), Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) were in attendance.