Hon PS Kello Harsama Deepens Regional Collaboration on ASAL Development

By John Kariuki

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, Hon Kello Harsama, continues to position Kenya as a regional thought leader in sustainable development through strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange.

In a high-level engagement with the Executive Country Director for CIFA Ethiopia, Mr Guyo Denge Tache, the two leaders delved into Ethiopia’s proven strategies for ASAL development, setting the stage for meaningful collaboration. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to benchmark Ethiopia’s models of resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth, particularly in areas grappling with climatic and developmental vulnerabilities.

PS Harsama underscored the importance of adapting lessons from Ethiopia’s experience to enhance Kenya’s approach to tackling challenges in arid regions. “Strategic learning from regional neighbors is vital in developing people-centered solutions that can transform livelihoods and secure long-term resilience for our communities,” he noted.

The discourse focused on critical issues such as water resource management, climate adaptation, food security, and economic empowerment. Both parties affirmed their shared commitment to leveraging research, innovation, and joint planning to achieve sustainable impact in underserved regions.

This bilateral exchange reflects PS Harsama’s broader vision of integrating regional perspectives into Kenya’s development frameworks ensuring that ASAL areas are not only included in the national agenda but prioritized in transformative ways.

Under his stewardship, the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development continues to build bridges with like-minded institutions across the Horn of Africa, fostering cross-border solidarity, strengthening institutional capacity, and accelerating progress in the face of evolving environmental and economic challenges.

Hon Kello Harsama remains a resolute advocate of inclusive governance and development, spearheading initiatives that empower marginalized communities and promote equitable growth throughout Kenya’s ASAL regions.