Nairobi Hosts High-Level IGAD Consultations on Regional Resilience and Cooperation

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, Kello Harsama, on Friday hosted a high-level consultative meeting with a delegation from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) led by regional development and peacebuilding advocate Fatuma Adan.

The discussions, held in Nairobi, focused on strengthening coordination between Kenya and IGAD member states in addressing shared challenges affecting arid and semi-arid lands and border regions. Key areas highlighted included climate resilience, peace and security, cross-border integration, livestock development, environmental management, and early warning systems.

Officials reviewed ongoing and planned initiatives aligned with Kenya’s State Department Strategic Plan (2023–2027) and IGAD’s Regional Strategy (2021–2025), with emphasis on improving collaboration in vulnerable frontier counties that continue to face climate shocks, resource pressures, and insecurity.

Harsama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening regional partnerships and coordinated programming as a pathway to sustainable development and stability in ASAL regions. He noted that stronger institutional cooperation remains central to improving livelihoods and building resilience among communities most exposed to climate and economic vulnerabilities.

The IGAD delegation underscored the importance of sustained cross-border collaboration, particularly in strengthening early warning systems and supporting peacebuilding initiatives across the Horn of Africa.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhance joint efforts aimed at fostering stability, improving livelihoods, and advancing long-term resilience strategies for communities across the region.