The Pastoralist Leadership Summit (PLS) has officially commenced in Wajir County, bringing together leaders and stakeholders from 15 pastoralist counties across Kenya.
Under the theme “Unlocking Policy and Financial Bottlenecks to Mainstream Pastoralism in Kenya,” the summit seeks to address pressing challenges facing pastoralist communities while emphasizing the sector’s critical role in Kenya’s economy.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi described the summit as a vital platform for fostering meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and the formulation of practical solutions.
“This is not just a forum for discussions; it’s an opportunity to critique, brainstorm, and craft actionable strategies to address the unique challenges pastoralist counties face,” Governor Abdullahi stated during a press briefing.
Key topics on the summit’s agenda include mitigating the impacts of climate change, improving governance in pastoralist regions, bolstering the livestock economy, and ensuring the integration of pastoralist economies into Kenya’s broader development framework.
Participants include governors, members of parliament, policy experts, development partners, and representatives from the United Nations, signaling the summit’s broad appeal and significance.
Governor Abdullahi also underscored the transformative role of devolved governance in addressing the needs of pastoralist communities.
“Unlike 10 to 15 years ago, we no longer face the same scale of losses during crises. Devolution has empowered local communities, enabling better coordination and timely interventions,” he explained.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, a founding member of the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), highlighted the shared aspirations of pastoralist counties despite their diversity.
“While we may differ in some respects, we are united by a common goal—strengthening the resilience and livelihoods of our people,” he said, referencing Lamu’s recent strides in disaster management.
Infrastructure development, such as the Isiolo-Mandera corridor road project, also featured prominently in discussions. Summit participants celebrated the project as a landmark achievement that integrates Northern Kenya into the national framework.
“This road is more than infrastructure; it represents Northern Kenya’s inclusion in Kenya’s economic and developmental future,” Timamy noted.
The summit will continue to explore strategies to enhance the pastoralist sector, empower communities, and ensure sustainable solutions to evolving challenges.
