The North Eastern Parliamentary Group, led by Patron Hon. Farah Maalim (Dadaab) and Chairperson Hon. Adan Keynan (Eldas), has gathered for a three-day stakeholder engagement at Serena Beach Hotel in Mombasa County.
The meeting, attended by approximately 30 Members of Parliament from the North Eastern Region, aims to tackle pressing issues that have long hindered the region’s development, including historical marginalization, poor infrastructure, inadequate teacher deployment, and persistent insecurity.
While opening the session, Group Secretary General Hon. Salah Yakub (Fafi) emphasized the significance of the engagement, calling it a crucial platform for devising solutions to the region’s longstanding challenges.
“Through unity and a clear development strategy, we can chart a new path for our region’s future,” said Hon. Yakub.
Hon. Farah Maalim, Patron of the group, echoed these sentiments, urging for a united effort to drive development.
“We need a combined effort to bring development to the region. Let us make an effort to look different. We need a master plan for developing our region; we can turn the tide of our historical injustices, but we must walk the talk,” he stressed.
Chairperson Hon. Adan Keynan underscored the importance of a collective approach.
“We need an integrated approach at both the County and National levels. If you can’t negotiate collectively, nobody will negotiate for you.” He urged North Eastern leaders to unite and advocate for the region’s development.
Key issues on the agenda include overcoming historical marginalization, improving infrastructure, addressing the shortage of teachers that has affected education quality, and strengthening healthcare systems by overcoming infrastructure and human resource challenges.
The group also discussed the need to invest in human capital through education as a pathway to sustainable development and social transformation in the region.
Other officials in attendance included Vice Chairperson Hon. Hussein Weytan (Mandera North), PG Treasurer Hon. Ummulkheir Kassim (Mandera County), and Chairperson of the Pastoralist Parliamentary Group Hon. Major (Rtd) Bashir Sheikh (Mandera East).
This meeting serves as a critical forum for the North Eastern Parliamentary Group to formulate actionable strategies that will address the region’s developmental gaps and bring about lasting change.
