Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat during a peace baraza at Chesongoch Primary School in Kerio Valley /MATHEWS NDANYI




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Governors in the North Rift are lobbying investors and development partners to help revive stalled projects in the Kerio Valley following the restoration of peace and security in the region.

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Through the North Rift Economic Bloc (Noreb), the governors plan to work with the national government in renewed efforts to spur development in an area that has been ravaged by banditry for decades.

Noreb chairperson and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said the governors are encouraged by the measures taken by President William Ruto to eliminate banditry and restore peace.

Counties previously affected by insecurity include Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu and Baringo.

“We appreciate the efforts by the President and security agencies who are working to ensure banditry is completely wiped out in the Kerio Valley,” Sang said.

Last Sunday, President Ruto attended an interdenominational thanksgiving service at AIC Chesombur in Lomut ward, West Pokot county, which he described as a historic moment for the Kerio region after more than 30 years of insecurity.

Ruto said the service marked the first time leaders and residents of the region had come together to celebrate tangible progress in peace and unity.

“We are here to give thanks because we have evidence that peace is taking root in this region,” the President said.

He thanked the clergy, elders, security agencies and political leaders for their role in restoring calm and assured them of continued government support to safeguard peace.

The President pledged that by the end of the year, areas still experiencing sporadic insecurity would be fully stabilised.

He urged individuals in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them to authorities, noting that development cannot thrive without lasting peace.

Ruto said the government would roll out affirmative development programmes in Kerio region, which has lagged behind for decades due to insecurity. Priority areas include infrastructure, clean energy, food security, education and peaceful coexistence.

The county leaders have also developed a joint plan to advance peace and development in the region.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said the Kerio Valley has immense untapped potential that could transform it into a hub of prosperity.

“For long-term peace and stability, we must address the underlying issues that fuel banditry,” Rotich said.

“There is a need for a comprehensive development master plan for the region, and we are working with partners to identify interventions that will help unlock its potential.”

Rotich noted that opportunities in agriculture, minerals and mining have the capacity to benefit the entire country.

“That is why we are seeking to work with development partners and the national government to exploit these resources in a way that sustains peace and stability,” Sang added.

The governors said insecurity has for years hindered development and negatively affected residents, stressing that sustainable development remains key to lasting peace in the Kerio Valley.