Africa-Press – Kenya. Governors in the North Rift want soldiers deployed to tackle banditry in the region to also help implement development projects. Nandi Governor Stephen Sang who chairs the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) says they welcome the KDF deployment to back up the police-led security operation in counties affected by banditry.
He said they have already discussed with President William Ruto on the need for KDF to help open up infrastructure in the region and drill boreholes for provision of water to residents.
“KDF has capacity to even build dams and other projects in the region that has suffered economic marginalisation,” Sang said.
He said economic empowerment would be the main solution to the challenges facing the region such as the one that necessitated the security operation. “What we are asking is to use KDF to transform the region so that we empower the communities economically.”
The governor said counties in the region are ready to work with the national government in backing all security and development strategies in the region.
The security operation commenced in six most affected counties by bandits including Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Laikipia.
He said projects such as education which will benefit the youth should be implemented. “We need to create opportunities that will help to engage the youth so that they don’t engage in banditry,” Sang said.
The governor was speaking in Eldoret where he addressed women leaders at a forum organised by NOREB. The meeting was also attended by Nandi Deputy Governor Yilita Mitei and her Trans Nzioa counterpart Phillomena Kapkori and former minister Linah Chebii Kilimo.
Sang said they would also work with religious leaders to intensify peace and reconciliation in the North Rift. The governors also discussed joint projects that will be implemented by NOREB in the affected counties.
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