Policy Monitor Thinking Policy Together ISSUE 15 No. 4 APRIL – JUNE 2023 Unlocking Economic Potential of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 1 Thinking Policy Together KIPPRA POLICY MONITOR April – June 2023 Issue Unlocking Economic Potential of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya Editorial team John Karanja James Ochieng’ Rose Muraya Mohamednur Duba Judith Nguli Contributors Jacob Nato Violet Nyabaro Boaz Munga Kenneth Malot Paul Odhiambo Judith Nguli Douglas Kivoi Meshack Omega Adrian Matofari John Kioko Mohammed Ali 2 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE Editorial Welcome to the KIPPRA Policy Monitor, the April-June 2023 Issue. The theme of this Issue is “Unlocking Economic Potential of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya”. The main articles in this Issue focus on: Recent economic developments and growth prospects; Enhancing access to basic education towards development of the arid and semi-arid lands; Maximizing the benefits of regional integration for trade and investment opportunities in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands; and enhancing participatory governance to promote inclusive development of arid and semi-arid regions in Kenya. The Policy Monitor highlights KIPPRA’s capacity building activities, including capacity building for counties on Nutrition, Public Policy Making Process (PPMP) and Creating Enabling Environment for Private Sector. The Institute also continued with building capacity for the policy clubs in universities. On engagement and networking, this Issue covers the 6th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference; the 4th Kenya Think Tanks Symposia 2023; dissemination workshops for the Kenya Economic Report 2022; the effects of drought and floods on schooling; the role of water sanitation and hygiene in promoting health in Kenya; institutions and export performance and unlocking EAC export market potential. Regarding partnerships, KIPPRA had the pleasure of hosting H.E. Yatiman Bin Yusof, the Singapore High Commissioner to Kenya. Further, the Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kilifi County Government. KIPPRA Executive Director also paid a courtesy call to Kakamega County Governor, H.E. Fernandez Barasa. Finally, this Issue highlights upcoming KIPPRA events, including the launch of the Kenya Economic Report 2023, and capacity building of Nyandarua and Nairobi counties on public policy making process. We hope you enjoy reading this edition. ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 3 Recent Economic Developments in Kenya By Jacob Nato Introduction The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation advanced economies. Growth in the first Agenda (BETA) is aimed at steering the quarter (January-March) of 2023 expanded by country to a more inclusive and broad-based 5.3 per cent compared to a growth of 6.2 per economic growth. Among the key pillars of cent in the corresponding quarter of 2022 as the agenda is to strengthen the sources of indicated in Figure 1. growth through agricultural transformation, manufacturing, services economy, creative The best five performing sectors in 2022 economy, and Micro, Small and Medium included accommodation and food services Enterprises (MSMEs). This article therefore (26.2%), administrative and support service offers a cursory view of the performance of activities (18.1%), arts, entertainment, economic activities for these key sectors. and recreation (17.9%), information and communication (9.9%), and mining and Economic Growth quarrying (9.3%). The least performing sectors were agriculture, forestry, and fishing (-1.6%), Economic growth slowed to 4.8 per cent activities of households as employers (1.5%), in 2022 due to multiple economic shocks, Financial Intermediation Services Indirectly including the drought situation, the spillover Measured - FISIM (1.5%), manufacturing effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the (2.7%), and wholesale and retail trade and rapid tightening of monetary policy in the repairs (3.8%). 4 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE Figure 1: Trends in real GDP growth (2018-2023) 12 10.3 8 10 9.4 7.6 8.6 7 8 6.1 5.66 6 6.3 6 6 5.2 5.3 4.8 554..16 4.6 5.2 5.34.343..88 5 4 2 2.4 4 2 3 0 2 -2 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 1 -4 -3.6-0.3 0 -6 -4.1 -1 Axis Title Q1 (Jan -March) Q2 (April-June) Q3 (July-Sept) Q4 (Oct-Dec) Real GDP Growth Data source: KNBS (2022), Economic Survey 2023 and Quarterly GDP Report Table 1: Sectoral economic performance (% growth rate) for 2018- 2022, and change Industry 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022* Change between 2021 and 2022 Agriculture, forestry, and fishing 5.7 2.7 4.6 -0.4 -1.6 -1.2 Mining and quarrying -4.7 4.3 5.5 18.0 9.3 -8.7 Manufacturing 3.6 2.6 -0.3 7.3 2.7 -4.6 Electricity supply 4.0 1.9 -0.5 5.3 4.9 -0.4 Water supply; sewerage, waste management 2.5 1.3 3.6 6.3 5.0 -1.3 Construction 6.1 7.2 10.1 6.7 4.1 -2.6 Wholesale and retail trade, repairs 5.9 5.3 -0.4 8.0 3.8 -4.2 Transportation and storage 6.0 6.3 -8.0 7.4 5.6 -1.8 Accommodation and food services 15.6 14.3 -47.7 52.6 26.2 -26.4 Information and communication 7.9 7.0 6.0 6.1 9.9 3.8 Real estate 6.5 6.7 4.1 6.7 4.5 -2.2 Professional, scientific, and technical activities 5.4 6.8 -11.5 7.9 5.1 -2.8 Administrative and support service activities 9.8 6.8 -17.6 5.6 18.1 12.5 Public administration and defense 7.9 8.4 7.0 6.0 4.5 -1.5 Education 6.8 5.7 -9.2 22.8 4.8 -18 Human health and social work activities 5.4 5.5 5.6 8.9 4.5 -4.4 Arts, entertainment, and recreation 3.7 8.0 -28.3 12.4 17.9 5.5 Other service activities 4.0 4.9 -19.5 18.9 5.8 -13.1 Activities of households as employers 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.0 Financial Intermediation Services Indirectly 3.7 9.5 -1.8 5.3 1.5 -3.8 Measured (FISIM) All industries at basic prices 5.6 5.2 0.5 7.2 4.6 -2.6 Taxes on products 5.9 3.9 -8.0 11.9 7.0 -4.9 GDP at market prices 5.6 5.1 -0.3 7.6 4.8 -2.8 Source of data: KNBS (2023), Economic Survey ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 5 Quarterly GDP Growth Rate Real GDP Growth The inflation rate in April-June 2023 averaged The CBR was raised to 10.50 per cent as of 7.93 per cent compared to 7.17 per cent in June 2023 from 9.50 per cent in May 2023 the same period in 2022. The increase in and 7.0 per cent during the COVID-19 period. inflation for April-June 2023 was largely due to This saw the interbank rate increase to 10.16 increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages per cent by close of June 2023, up from 7.90 index, transport index, and housing, water, per cent during the beginning of April 2023. electricity, gas, and other fuels index, which The average 91-day T-Bill rate rose from 10.04 averaged 10.2 per cent, 9.8 per cent, and 9.6 per cent to 10.47 per cent between April and per cent, respectively. May 2023, declining to 9.57 per cent in June 2023, averaging 10.03 per cent for quarter 4 Monetary Policy and Financial Sector of 2023 against an average of 7.65 per cent in Development quarter 4 of 2022 (Figure 2). The Central Bank of Kenya tightened monetary policy to reign in on inflationary expectations. Figure 2: Trends in key interest rates for the April-June quarter in the period 2021-2023 15.00 10.00 Avg (2023 April - May) 5.00 Avg (2023 January - March) Avg (2022 April - June) - Avg (2021 April - June) Interbank rate CBR 91-day T-Bill rate Avg (2021 April - June) Avg (2022 April - June) Avg (2023 January - March) Avg (2023 April - May) 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Deposit rate Saving rate Lending rate Overnight rate Data source: CBK (2023), Monthly Economic Indicators (Various issues) The banking sector had a stable performance with strong liquidity and capital adequacy ratios. A sound performance of liquidity ratio signals a resilient financial sector, considering that the country has undergone a series of shocks including the prolonged drought, the spillover effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, and political demonstrations in the recent past. In May 2023, the ratio of non-performing loans to gross loans stood at 14.9 per cent, vis-à-vis 14.6 per cent in April 2023. 6 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE Percent Percent Axis Title Credit to the private sector grew by 12.2 government and other public sector averaged per cent for the 12-month period between 37.0 per cent while credit to the private sector June 2022 and June 2023. During the period averaged 63.0 per cent. April-June 2023, the share of credit to the Fig. 3: Share of credit to government versus private sector credit 120.00 100.00 80.00 63.35 62.47 63.03 62.12 63.00 60.00 40.00 20.00 36.66 37.54 36.97 37.88 37.00 - April-June 2022 July-Sept 2022 Oct-Dec2022 Jan-March2023 April-June 2023 Credit to Govt Credit to private sector Data source: CBK (2023), Monthly Economic Indicators (Various issues) All the sectors of the economy registered of Ksh 1,268.81 billion, while the total CFS increases in private sector credit. The sectors exchequer issues were Ksh 1,313.59 billion that had the largest increases in private sector against a revised estimate of Ksh 1,577.74 credit in May were mining and quarrying billion. The total development exchequer (41.3%), finance and insurance (32.7%), issues were Ksh 308.03 billion compared to a transport and communications (22.0%), revised estimate of Ksh 373.99 billion. manufacturing (19.3%), agriculture (18.3%), trade (15.4%), business services (13.5%), The total issues of equitable share to county th and consumer durables (11.9%). The sectors governments as of 30 June 2023 amounted that had modest growth in private sector to Ksh 399.60 billion, which was in line with the credit were private households (7.0%), other revised estimates. Thus, County Governments activities (6.8%), building and construction received their total allocation, which is Ksh (5.1%), and real estate (1.9%). 370 billion as per the County Allocation of Revenue Act (CARA) 2022 and arrears for June Fiscal Performance 2022 amounting to Ksh 29.6 billion. As of 30th June 2023, the actual revenue The actual receipts from domestic borrowing receipts had accumulated to Ksh 3,244.79 amounted to Ksh 948.10 billion, which billion against a revised estimate of Ksh comprised of net domestic borrowing of Ksh 3,620.15 billion (Kenya Gazette, 21 July 2023). 480.41 billion and internal debt redemptions The actual revenue receipts were higher of Ksh 467.68 billion. Overall, the exchequer compared to Ksh 2,666.3 billion total revenue balance closing 30th June 2023 was Ksh 2.61 realized in the same period in 2022. billion. Of the Ksh 3,244.79 billion realized, the total External Sector Developments recurrent exchequer issues amounted to Ksh 1,221.56 billion against a revised estimate Despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe and an uncertain global economic ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 7 Percent outlook, the external account has remained continue to provide adequate cover and relatively stable, with a narrowing of the buffer against any short-term shocks in the current account balance. The current account foreign exchange market. deficit is estimated at 4.2 per cent of GDP for the 12-month period to June 2023. In June The Kenya shilling continued to depreciate 2023, the current account deficit improved to against other major international currencies. th US$ 4,629.4 million (4.6% of GDP) compared By 30 June 2023, the Kenya shilling to a deficit of US$$ 5,833.9 million (5.1% of exchanged for Ksh 140.52 per US$, Ksh GDP) in June 2022. The improvement in the 177.28 per Sterling Pound, and Ksh 152.98 current account balance was supported by per Euro, compared to rates of Ksh 117.29 an improvement in both the net secondary per US$, Ksh 144.83 per Sterling Pound, and income balance and the net merchandise Ksh 124.14 per Euro as of June 2022. The account, despite a deterioration in the net depreciation of the Kenya shilling against the receipts on the services account and on the US Dollar emanated from growing demand for net primary income balance. Exports remained foreign currencies in the face of rising import strong, growing by an average of 2.1 per cent prices, the tightening of the monetary policy in the 12-month period to June 2023, with by the Federal Reserve Bank of the US and receipts from exports of manufactured goods other advanced economies, rising global fuel and tea growing by 23.0 and 7.0 per cent, prices coupled with commodity price shocks, respectively, between June 2022 and June and the ongoing geo-political tensions in 2023. Imports declined by 6.1 per cent in the Europe. The depreciation of the Kenya shilling 12-month period to June 2023 compared to in part explains the rising cost of external debt a growth of 20.2 per cent in a similar period repayments. in 2022. The decline in imports is reflected in Conclusion the lower imports of manufactured goods and infrastructure-related equipment following The government remains committed to completion of most projects. enhancing macroeconomic stability, foster strong economic growth, and enhance social Remittances totaled US$ 4,017 million in the welfare. Following the reading of the National 12 months to June 2023, which represented Budget in June 2023, the government aims at a 0.1 per cent increase from a similar period raising growth from 4.8 per cent in 2022 to in 2022. The increase in remittances has an a projected growth of 5.5 per cent in 2023, implication on the trade balance and has been supported by the services sector, recovery in shown to negatively affect the trade balance. agriculture, ongoing public sector investments Foreign exchange reserves stand at US$ 7,338 and implementation of the strategic priorities million (4.01 months of import cover), which under the BETA. 8 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE Enhancing Access to Basic Education: Towards Development of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya By Violet Nyabaro and Boaz Munga Introduction is given effect in the Basic Education Act (2013). Moreover, Kenya is a signatory to various Education is a crucial tool for the overall international agreements on education, development of any country due to its including the Sustainable Development Goals significant role in economic, social, and and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human political development. Advancement in quality Rights which states that everyone has a right education can lead to accelerated economic to education (Article 26). growth, improved wealth and income distribution, greater equality of opportunity, The government has consistently invested availability of skilled workforce, increased resources to attain all educational objectives life expectancy, improved health outcomes, in line with the Kenya Vision 2030. Between lower crime rates, national unity, and political 2019/20 and 2021/22, the education sector stability (Harbison 1973; Psacharopoulos budget accounted for 25 per cent of government 1988; Schultz 1988; Riechi 2021). Therefore, expenditure, amounting to Ksh 516 billion ensuring equitable access to education is (Education Sector 2022 Report). Further, the essential for sustainable development and government put in place policy initiatives poverty reduction at the global, regional, and reforms such as Free Primary Education, national, and sub-national levels, including Free Day Secondary Education, 100 per cent the arid and semi-arid lands in Kenya. transition from primary to secondary, and expanded university education. Some of the Ensuring access to quality education for every instituted reforms include the transition from child is a top priority for the government. The the 8-4-4 to the 2-6-3-3-4 curriculum system, Constitution of Kenya (2010) recognizes the devolution of Early Childhood Development significance of basic education for all children Education (ECDE) and vocational training, as part of the Bill of Rights. The Constitution’s streamlining of examination management, Article 43(f) and 53(1) (b) provides for the and revitalization of Technical Vocational right to education and the right to free and Education and Training. compulsory basic education, respectively. This ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 9 The results of these efforts saw a steady increase The last official reported national pre-primary in preprimary, primary, and secondary school NER for 2018 was 77.2 per cent (NESSP, 2018). enrolment rates. Notwithstanding the progress Whereas the total number of learners increased made in basic education, the country continues from 2.84 million in 2021 to 2.86 million in to experience significant regional, residence 2022 (KNBS Economic Survey, 2023). ASALs and sex disparities in access to education. In such as Mandera County recorded 18 per cent particular, a few counties, especially those in enrollment (NESSP, 2018). In 2020, the Gross the ASALs have comparatively lower access Enrollment Ratio was 111.2, a 1.8 percentage rates and outcomes for formal education. As point increase from 2019 (Figure 1). The slight an example, while ASALs expected years of rise in the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) from schooling is 6.5 years, that of the non-ASAL 109.4 in 2019 to 111.2 in 2020 suggests that counties exceeds 12 years (World Bank, 2022). children are still not accessing pre-primary education at the appropriate age, as there is Situational Analysis on Access to Education a growing enrollment of both younger and in ASALs older learners at this level. Consistent reporting of net enrollment rates The relatively low NER and high GER has (NER) across basic education is constrained by implications for future development as the data availability. Unlike other levels of basic early years of a child’s life are critical in fostering education, ECDE is a devolved function whose human capital, addressing socio-economic mandate falls within the County Governments. disparities, and bridging the achievement This has posed several challenges, including gap that exists among children from different availability of data to assess the NER. For backgrounds. By providing access to high- instance, in 2019 and 2020, age-specific quality early education for all, regardless enrolment at the pre-primary education level of their socio-economic status, access to was not available and hence the NER and pre-primary school lays the foundation for participation rates could not be reported educational equity and equal opportunities. (Ministry of Education, 2020).1 The unavailability of timely NER data for the counties makes monitoring of interventions at 1 https://www.education.go.ke/sites/default/files/Docs/The%20Basic%20Edu- cation%20Statistical%20Booklet%202020%20(1).pdf the ECDE level ineffective. Figure 1: Pre-primary Gross Enrollment Ratios across counties, 2020 200 150 100 50 0 Pre primary GER National Data Source: Ministry of Education (2020), Basic Education Statistical Booklet 10 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE Wajir 52.7 Marsabit 53.3 111.2 Garissa 56.5 Samburu 66.4 Nairobi City 75.6 Kajiado 76.2 Mandera 78.4 Bungoma 81.4 Nakuru 82.9 Mombasa 85 Kiambu 87.1 Tana River 94 Narok 98 Isiolo 103.1 Machakos 103.8 Kwale 104.4 Lamu 109.5 Siaya 109.9 Kilifi 110.3 Uasin Gishu 110.6 Vihiga 114.1 Laikipia 115.9 Murang’a 116.2 Trans Nzoia 119.7 Bomet 121.2 Meru 123.1 Nyandarua 124.4 Migori 126.2 Busia 126.4 Nyeri 127.3 Baringo 131.8 Kisii 132 Kisumu 132.5 Taita Taveta 133.7 Embu 133.9 Elgeyo Marakwet 134.5 Kirinyaga 139.3 Kericho 140.3 Homa Bay 143.2 Makueni 144.3 West Pokot 145.3 Nandi 147.2 Kitui 152.1 Turkana 166.4 Nyamira 167.8 Tharaka Nithi 169.9 Kakamega 173.5 In 2020, the primary Net Enrollment per cent, implying that about 46 per cent Ratio (NER) stood at 79.3, indicating that of children aged 14-17 were not accessing approximately 20 per cent of children secondary education in 2020. The inequalities within the primary school age-going are not are also evident in secondary education for accessing education. The NER for male and which the overall NER is relatively low but female students was recorded at 79.8 and 78.8 much lower for the ASALs. Across both levels per cent, respectively (Ministry of Education, of basic education, ASAL counties such as 2020). When compared to the national rates, Mandera, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, enrollment in ASAL counties was 8 percentage Turkana, Isiolo and Tana River is lower than the points lower and stood at 71.8 per cent. At national rates (Figure 2). the secondary school level, the NER was 54.1 Figure 2: Primary and secondary NER across counties, 2020 120 100 80 79.3 60 40 20 0 Primary NER National NER 120 100 80 60 54.1 40 20 0 Secondary NER National NER Data Source: Ministry of Education (2020), Basic Education Statistical Booklet Gender Parity Index relatively lower GPIs (of 0.90 or less). Across the three levels of basic education, ASAL There is evidence to suggest an improvement counties namely Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana in relative access to education of males and River Samburu and Garissa consistently lag in females as measured by gender parity index achievement of gender parity (Figure 3). The (GPI) across most of the counties. Most counties gender disparity in these counties is in favour have reached near gender parity and as many of boys, an indication that fewer girls have girls as boys are enrolled in schools. Even so, access to basic education. there are a few counties, mainly in ASALs, with ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 11 Garissa 9.9 Wajir 24.6 Mandera 11.4 Garissa 26.7 Marsabit 12.1 Mandera 35.8 Wajir 14.5 Isiolo 37.1 Turkana 16.7 Marsabit 38.9 Tana River 18.9 Samburu 44 Isiolo 20.4 Tana River 48.1 Kwale 26.5 Turkana 53 Nairobi City 28.8 Nairobi City 61.8 Samburu 30 Kajiado 62.1 Kilifi 30.9 Mombasa 67.4 Mombasa 31.9 Narok 71.5 Narok 33.5 Kiambu 72.5 Lamu 35.4 Uasin Gishu 77.3 Kajiado 37.3 Baringo 78.3 Busia 42.6 Kilifi 78.8 Uasin Gishu 44.3 Kwale 79 Baringo 52.2 Laikipia 80.2 West Pokot 52.3 Busia 81.2 Kitui 53.1 Meru 81.7 Kakamega 58.3 Siaya 82.2 Nakuru 59.2 Lamu 83.7 Laikipia 59.3 Nakuru 85.4 Nandi 59.5 Kisii 85.7 Kisumu 60.8 Bomet 85.8 Elgeyo Marakwet 61.7 West Pokot 86.4 Meru 61.9 Bungoma 86.7 Bungoma 62.2 Embu 87.1 Trans Nzoia 62.8 Machakos 87.2 Migori 63.6 Nyandarua 88 Kiambu 64 Nyeri 88.3 Homa Bay 64.7 Taita Taveta 88.7 Taita Taveta 68 Homa Bay 88.8 Machakos 69.8 Trans Nzoia 89.3 Siaya 71.4 Kirinyaga 89.7 Nyandarua 75.1 Migori 90.3 Kericho 75.4 Elgeyo Marakwet 91.6 Embu 75.9 Nyamira 92.4 Vihiga 77.6 Vihiga 94.1 Bomet 78.4 Muranga 94.4 Nyamira 78.6 Nandi 95 Kirinyaga 80.8 Kakamega 96.9 Makueni 81.2 Makueni 97.1 Kisii 83 Kitui 98 Nyeri 91.6 Kericho 98.7 Tharaka Nithi 97 Tharaka Nithi 99.9 Murang’a 101.9 Kisumu 101.6 The disparities in gender are complex. Boys are (in Elgeyo Marakwet) and quarrying activities disadvantaged in some ASALs and non-ASAL (in Machakos). In these counties, school-going counties, particularly in secondary education children are forced to engage in livelihood including in Meru, Machakos and Elgeyo activities because of the high poverty rates. Marakwet counties. This could be linked to Thus, the basket of interventions to enhance boy’s engagement in livelihood activities such attainment of GPI requires region specific as sale of Miraa or Khat (in Meru), pastoralism approaches that target both boys and girls. Figure 3: Gender differences in pre-primary, primary and secondary enrolment, 2020 1.4 1.2 1 1.04 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Arid Semi arid Non ASAL 1.2 1 0.96 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Arid Semi arid Non ASAL 1.2 1 0.97 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Arid Semi arid Non ASAL Data Source: Ministry of Education (2020), Basic Education Statistical Booklet Addressing Barriers to Access to Education in ASALs infrastructure, climate factors, cultural and There are barriers to access to formal education social norms, and insecurity. These challenges in ASALs that need to be addressed. Some have been identified in various studies, of the barriers include poverty, inadequate including the social budgeting process. We supportive infrastructure such as classrooms, focus on poverty, culture, and climate effects availability of schools, limited school (drought), which are cross-cutting in nature. 12 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE Mandera 0.66 Mandera 0.6 Mandera 0.54 Wajir 0.8 Garissa 0.73 Wajir 0.58 Garissa 0.81 Wajir 0.77 Turkana 0.62 Tana River 0.9 Turkana 0.9 Garissa 0.68 Samburu 0.9 Samburu 0.9 Samburu 0.74 Turkana 0.94 Tana River 0.97 Tana River 0.83 Marsabit 1.03 Marsabit 0.97 Marsabit 0.96 Isiolo 1.05 Isiolo 1.08 Isiolo 0.98 Lamu 0.93 Machakos 0.94 Narok 0.82 Kajiado 0.94 Makueni 0.94 Lamu 0.87 Embu 0.95 Baringo 0.94 West Pokot 0.9 Makueni 0.96 Kitui 0.95 Homa Bay 0.9 Nyeri 0.96 Laikipia 0.95 Kilifi 0.92 Baringo 0.96 Narok 0.95 Migori 0.97 Kwale 0.97 Elgeyo Marakwet 0.96 Embu 0.99 Kitui 0.97 Lamu 0.96 Nyeri 1 Machakos 0.97 Taita Taveta 0.96 Taita Taveta 1.01 Laikipia 0.97 Embu 0.96 Baringo 1.01 Kilifi 0.98 Nyeri 0.96 Laikipia 1.02 Meru 0.98 Homa Bay 0.97 Kajiado 1.03 Elgeyo Marakwet 0.98 Kwale 0.97 Makueni 1.04 Narok 0.98 Kilifi 0.97 Nakuru 1.04 Kiambu 0.99 Tharaka Nithi 0.97 Kiambu 1.05 Nakuru 0.99 Nakuru 0.97 Kwale 1.07 Homa Bay 1 Kajiado 0.97 Tharaka Nithi 1.08 Tharaka Nithi 1 Kiambu 0.98 Kitui 1.1 West Pokot 1 West Pokot 0.98 Meru 1.11 Migori 1.01 Meru 0.98 Machakos 1.11 Taita Taveta 1.01 Migori 0.99 Elgeyo Marakwet 1.12 Kirinyaga 0.94 Nandi 0.94 Mombasa 0.95 Nyandarua 0.95 Nyandarua 0.94 Trans Nzoia 0.97 Bomet 0.97 Kirinyaga 0.95 Siaya 0.97 Kericho 0.98 Kericho 0.95 Kisii 0.97 Bungoma 0.98 Bomet 0.95 Nyamira 0.97 Mombasa 0.99 Uasin Gishu 0.96 Bomet 0.99 Trans Nzoia 0.99 Nyamira 0.96 Kericho 1 Uasin Gishu 0.99 Trans Nzoia 0.97 Nandi 1.03 Nandi 0.99 Murang’a 0.98 Murang’a 1.03 Siaya 0.99 Vihiga 0.98 Nairobi City 1.04 Kakamega 1 Bungoma 0.98 Nyandarua 1.05 Vihiga 1 Kakamega 0.99 Bungoma 1.06 Kisii 1 Busia 0.99 Kakamega 1.07 Nyamira 1 Siaya 0.99 Uasin Gishu 1.08 Murang’a 1.01 Kisumu 0.99 Busia 1.09 Kisumu 1.01 Kisii 1 Kirinyaga 1.1 Nairobi City 1.01 Nairobi City 1.01 Kisumu 1.1 Busia 1.03 Mombasa 1.02 Vihiga 1.2 National GPI Pre-primary GPI National GPI Primary GPI National GPI Secondary GPI a) Poverty Moreover, income disparities contribute to educational disparities, with children from Poverty and inequality have a profound wealthier households having better access to impact on access to education in the ASALs. educational opportunities, qualified teachers, Many families cannot afford to send their and learning resources. children to school owing to the opportunity costs associated with schooling, including ASAL counties experience the highest poverty competing household chores such as herding, incidences with Mandera, Wajir, Turkana and thus leading to high dropout rates and limited Marsabit have the highest comprehensive enrollment. The limited financial resources also poverty rates at 92, 90 and 86 per cent, hamper the provision of quality infrastructure respectively (Figure 4).2 and educational materials in schools, further compromising the learning environment. 2 Comprehensive poverty report (2020). Figure 4: Comprehensive poverty rates across counties, 2020 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 ASAL Non-ASAL Data source: KNBS (2020), Comprehensive Poverty Reports The link between poverty and access to education is demonstrated in Figure 5. Counties with the highest poverty rates have the lowest enrollment rates both at primary and secondary levels. For example, in Wajir County, the NER at the primary level stands at 25 per cent whereas the county has the highest multidimensional poverty rates of 90 per cent. A similar trend can be observed in Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit and Isiolo counties. ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 13 Mandera 92 Wajir 90 Turkana 86 Marsabit 86 Samburu 85 West Pokot 82 Kitui 80 Homa Bay 78 Narok 77 Bomet 76 Kwale 75 Migori 73 Garissa 69 Tharaka Nithi 62 Tana River 62 Baringo 60 Kilifi 60 Makueni 60 Laikipia 59 Meru 57 Isiolo 53 Lamu 51 Elgeyo Marakwet 47 Nakuru 46 Taita Taveta 40 Embu 40 Machakos 39 Kajiado 38 Nyeri 32 Bungoma 72 Kakamega 71 Busia 70 Nyamira 70 Siaya 69 Vihiga 65 Trans Nzoia 59 Nandi 53 Kisii 52 Kericho 51 Muranga 43 Uasin Gishu 42 Kirinyaga 36 Kisumu 36 Nyandarua 32 Mombasa 25 Kiambu 18 Nairobi 13 Figure 5: The correlation between NER and multidimensional poverty across counties, 2020 Primary NER vs Multidimensional Poverty Secondary NER vs Multidimensional Poverty 120 120 100 Kisumu Tharaka 100 Muranga Tharaka Kericho NanMdaNkiutKehani ki amKiteugia Nithi NyKainriT Mu dnayiratua rEa lnggeayga Tr oai Vnish Nigyaamira Nyeri NyeMrEimacbMhuaakrakw Migo osNzeotia BunHgooW rmimeaas Bt TaavNet ay aLakKauimsriuiu Bomet Kisii 80 Uasin MLeariku SBi Pokot ipiaauysaia 80 Kirinyaga MakueniKBialirfiingoKwale Embu VihNigyaaBmoimraet Kiambu Gishu NyandaruaKericho Narok MTaacithaa kos Siaya Mombasa Kiambu TavetaElgeMyToer aruns NBzMouinaigHgooormmi aa Bay60 Nairobi Kajiado 60 KisumuNMaakNruarakunwLdaeiitkipiaKakamega Turkana Baringo WKiteusiTana t Pokot River Samburu Uasin Gishu 40 Busia Isiolo Marsabit 40 Mandera KajiadoLamu Mombasa Nairobi Kilifi Narok Samburu Garissa Wajir Kwale 20 20 IsioloTana River Turkana Garissa Ma Wajir nrsdaebriat 0 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100 Mul�dimensional poverty Mul�dimensional poverty Data source: KNBS (2020), Comprehensive Poverty Reports: Basic Education Statistical Booklet The effects of poverty on access to formal in activities perceived as less valuable than education may be ameliorated by interventions their traditional roles. Moreover, the belief such as cash transfer programmes, school that pastoralism is central to survival leads to feeding programmes, and bursaries. These the prioritization of pastoralism over formal interventions would work better if relevant education, resulting in limited opportunities supportive infrastructure is put in place such for education for both boys and girls (Raj et as mobile schools and enduring water points al., 2019). to improve the effects of climate change. Early marriage, which disproportionately b) Cultural factors affects girls, is also a hinderance to access to education in ASALs. Within various ASAL Access to education in the ASALs is influenced communities, families often marry off their by various cultural attributes that create daughters at a young age, limiting their significant barriers. This section focuses on opportunities for education. Early marriages three main cultural factors: early marriages, also perpetuate a cycle of poverty, as girls female genital mutilation (FGM), and the who marry early often fail to complete impact of gender roles and pastoralism on their education and struggle to access education. Traditionally, gender roles in employment opportunities. Empirical studies various ASAL communities have been highly have confirmed the negative impact of early differentiated, with distinct spheres of activity marriages on access to education in the ASALs, for men and women. Women and girls are including intergenerational educational expected to engage in domestic chores, inequality (Delprato, Akyeampong and Dunne, limiting their time for schooling and often 2017; Raj et al., 2019; Bartels et al., 2018). resulting in early dropout or non-attendance. For boys, they are expected to participate in Other cultural practices that affect access physical labour, such as tending to livestock, to formal education include the nomadic creating a significant barrier to education. The lifestyle, female genital cutting/mutilation demanding workload can make it challenging (FGM), and Duksis, which are the traditional for boys to attend school regularly or engage Muslim schools for the young. FGM is a deeply 14 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE Primary NER Secondary NER rooted traditional practice widespread in food insecurity, hunger, and starvation. Hunger, ASAL communities and has dire implications malnutrition, and overall food insecurity lead for girls’ education. FGM is known to be a to high dropout rates, low attendance rates harmful cultural practice whose negative and poor education outcomes. The challenges impacts include bleeding, infections, obstetric discussed above usually lead to inadequate and gynecological complications, and teaching staff and inequitable distribution of psychological effects. These effects often lead teachers. to health issues that disrupt a girl’s schooling. Moreover, communities that practice FGM There is need to enhance the construction of prioritize early marriage, relegating girls to supportive infrastructure; expand the school traditional roles and reducing their chances of feeding programme to reduce effects of accessing education. Although prevalence of poverty; create more boarding and mobile FGM/C has declined in the country, it remains schools; and establish education friendly high among communities such as the Somali rescue centres for threatened children within (94%), Samburu (86%) and the Masaai (78%) the counties affected by shocks. UNICEF (2020). Conclusion and Policy Recommendations The Duksis tend to delay entry into the formal The ASALs are characterized by harsh climatic education cycle. The role of education in conditions, limited water resources, and low enhancing livelihoods is also less appreciated agricultural productivity. To ensure access to among many communities. Some of the education in the ASALs, there is need to: interventions in place for these barriers include integration of the Duksis within formal • Engage local communities to overcome schooling cycles, eliminating FGM and child barriers to education. Sensitizing marriages and putting in place mobile schools. communities about the importance What could be done better is to enhance of education and involving them in the coverage and implementation of these decision-making processes could programme/policy interventions. improve enrollment rates and promote a supportive learning environment, and c) Climate change effects eliminating cultural practices such as The impacts of climate change across the globe early marriages and FGMs that hinder and more so in the ASALs is characterized by access to education. Countering FGM erratic and unpredictable rainfall patterns, will require not only enforcement of making them prone to frequent droughts and existing laws but also implementation water scarcity. Droughts in ASALs can have of other measures, including effective profound effects on the accessibility, quality, and sensitization programmes. continuity of education, exacerbating existing • Implement school feeding programmes inequalities and hindering the development to encourage enrolment, attendance, of these vulnerable communities. Droughts and retention for learners affected in ASALs often result in displacement and by drought. To enhance monitoring, migration, as communities search for water, evaluation and learning at the ECDE food, and opportunities in other regions. level, the National Government should This displacement disrupts the continuity of work more cooperatively with the education for children, as they are removed County Governments to ensure data from their familiar environments. on NER and other key indicators are Furthermore, the integration of displaced computed in a timely manner akin to students into schools in host communities the other levels of education. Thus, presents its own set of challenges, including the proposed interventions should overcrowded classrooms and strained be implemented by the County resources, further impeding the educational Governments in collaboration with experience. Moreover, severe drought the National Government, civil society conditions are associated with death of organizations and development livestock and crop failure, leading to severe partners. ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 15 Maximizing the Benefits of Regional Integration for Trade and Investment Opportunities in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands By Kenneth Malot and Paul Odhiambo Kenya is one of the countries in East Africa with products, live animals, and germplasm. vast arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), which According to National Census in 2019, the present both challenges and opportunities Kenya animal resource base comprises 2.2 (Kenya Ministry of Devolution and ASALs, million dairy cattle, 559,000 beef cattle, 13 2020). The ASALs, which include Northern million indigenous cattle, 19.3 million sheep, Kenya, and parts of Rift Valley, Coast, 28 million goats, 4.6 million camels, 1.2 and Eastern regions, are home to diverse million donkeys, 443,000 pigs, 30.3 million communities that have adapted to these indigenous chicken, 561,000 rabbits and 1.2 environment conditions. Additionally, ASALs- million beehives. The total annual livestock like conditions are increasingly encroaching products value was estimated at Ksh 1,891 other parts of the country that traditionally billion in 2016 (Government of Kenya, 2018). have been classified as non-ASALs. The Investment in agribusiness, value addition ASALs cover over 80 per cent of the country and product development could unlock the and are home to over 10 million people, potential of the livestock sub-sector. accounting for about 36 per cent of Kenya’s population. Despite the harsh conditions, the Additionally, the ASALs are home to an ASALs possess significant natural resources, astounding 90 per cent of the wild game, including minerals, wildlife, and unique which supports Kenya’s thriving tourism biodiversity (UNEP, 2020). industry, estimated at 12 per cent of Kenya’s GDP. Most national parks, game reserves The ASALs house 70 per cent of the national and conservancies are found in the ASALs. livestock, a vital source of income and food Kenya has increasingly invested in renewable security for communities (Government energy sources including wind and solar with of Kenya, 2020). The livestock sub- establishment of the Garissa Solar Power Plant, sector constitutes an important source of Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, and Ngong households’ income and food security in the Hills Wind Power Plant. Affordable energy is region and contributes to foreign exchange critical for increasing the productivity of Micro, earnings through export of livestock Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the 16 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE counties. Further, storage facilities are crucial without paying import duty. This is critical as it for perishable produce. Agriculture and reduces the cost of goods being traded in the apiculture could also be exploited to enhance region and makes it easy to sell more goods in households’ livelihoods and overall economic destination markets within the EAC. growth and development. Though mining and quarrying sub-sector’s contribution to The operationalization of the Moyale One- the country’s GDP is negligible, the existence Stop Border Post (OSBP) in 2021 was hailed of soda ash, rare earths, petroleum and gas as a milestone in promotion of cross-border reserves, coal, fluorspar, cement, gemstones, trade between Kenya and Ethiopia. Earlier in and sands could be critical in unlocking the 2012, the two countries had signed Special potential of the sub-sector. Despite the Status Agreement (SSA) to facilitate trade, region’s vast natural resources, it has faced investment, infrastructure, food security and frequent droughts, food insecurity, and under- livelihoods. Somalia is a strategic gateway development. However, regional integration to the Middle East; hence it is a vital trading provides an opportunity to maximize its country in the region. ASALs counties can potential, particularly in terms of trade and position themselves strategically to leverage investment. It offers significant benefits such as on their proximity to enhance trade and access to larger markets, increased economic investment with the neighbouring countries. growth, innovation, and job creation. The main market corridors in the ASALs include North-western corridor linking North The potential of Kenya’s ASALs for trade Rift counties with South Sudan; North-Central and investment cannot be gainsaid, as the corridor linking Nairobi-Meru/Nakuru-Isiolo/ region has untapped economic activities, Samburu-Marsabit-Moyale with Ethiopia; including livestock, tourism, renewable North-Eastern corridor linking Nairobi-Thika- energy, apiculture, irrigated crop farming, and Garissa-Wajir-Mandera with Somalia. The mineral reserves. Regional integration plays market corridors are key not only for regional a vital role in promoting economic growth trade and investment but also in opening the and development by fostering trade and ASALs for domestic trade, investment, and investment opportunities. In the case of ASALs, economic growth. regional integration holds immense potential for unlocking their unique advantages and Importance of Regional Integration for addressing the challenges faced by these Trade and Investment regions (UNDP, 2019). Kenya, as a member of Regional integration initiatives such as the the EAC, has been actively involved in regional African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) integration, an initiative aimed at promoting hold great promise for Kenya’s ASALs. By economic development in the region. As fostering intra-regional trade, reducing trade one of the most significant economies in the barriers, and creating a larger market, regional Eastern African region, Kenya could leverage integration can unlock numerous trade and on this invaluable edge to benefit trade investment opportunities. According to and investment in ASAL counties. Due to its recent statistics, intra-African trade accounts proximity to all neighbouring countries, the for only about 17 per cent of Africa’s total ASALs could exploit trade and investment trade, highlighting the immense potential opportunities in the East African Community for increased regional integration. By fully (EAC) Partner States including Tanzania, implementing the AfCFTA, which involves 54 Uganda, and South Sudan. In addition, the African countries, it is estimated that intra- ASALs border Ethiopia and Somalia, which African trade could increase by 52 per cent by are increasingly becoming new frontiers for 2022. This would provide a significant boost to enhanced regional trade and investment. Kenya’s ASAL communities, enabling them to Small traders in ASALs counties living close access new markets and expand their customer to EAC Partner States can take advantage of base. Furthermore, regional integration the EAC Simplified Certificate of Origin (SCO) promotes foreign direct investment, with to trade across the borders favourably as the Africa attracting US$46 billion in FDI in SCO allows a trader with goods of a value not 2020. This presents an opportunity for ASAL more than US$ 2,000 to trade in EAC country regions to attract investment and benefit from ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 17 technology transfer, thereby improving their moving to urban areas in search of better production capabilities and competitiveness. opportunities. This presents an opportunity Through harmonizing policies, regulations, for businesses in the ASALs to cater to the and standards, regional integration also growing urban population, particularly in the enhances market efficiency and facilitates provision of agricultural produce. seamless trade flows, reducing transaction costs and improving market access for ASAL In terms of investment, the ASALs have massive producers. untapped potential. The region has vast arable land yet to be fully exploited, which presents Another key advantage of regional an opportunity for investment in agriculture integration is the diversification of trade. especially livestock, apiculture, dryland ASAL businesses can reduce their reliance farming and irrigated farming. ASALs offer on traditional domestic markets and explore significant trade and investment opportunities new opportunities by venturing into regional across various sectors. With approximately 70 markets. This diversification mitigates risks per cent of the country’s livestock and 90 per associated with relying on a single market and cent of its wildlife, the ASALs are primed for stimulates growth and expansion. Additionally, investment in the livestock and agriculture regional integration fosters the exchange of sectors. Modernizing livestock production, knowledge, technology, and best practices improving value addition, and implementing among countries, enabling ASAL regions innovative agricultural techniques can unlock to enhance their production capabilities the region’s potential in food production and and meet the evolving demands of regional export-oriented agriculture. consumers. The ASALs’ abundant wildlife and natural Regional integration also plays a crucial role in landscapes make them attractive for tourism. attracting investment into the ASAL regions. As Investments in infrastructure, accommodation, integration initiatives create a more conducive and wildlife conservation can bolster the business environment, both domestic and tourism industry, creating jobs and driving international investors are drawn to the economic growth. Additionally, the ASALs ASALs. Improved regulations, streamlined possess immense renewable energy potential, processes, and enhanced infrastructure make including wind and solar resources. Expanding the regions more attractive for investment. renewable energy infrastructure will not only Increased investment inflows contribute to provide reliable and affordable power but economic development, job creation, and also support industrial activities and stimulate technology transfer in the ASALs. Sectors such economic development. as agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and infrastructure development hold significant The ASALs are also rich in mineral resources, such potential for unlocking the untapped resources as soda ash, rare earths, diatomite, fluorspar, of the ASALs and driving their growth. limestone, zinc, oil, gas, coal, and gemstones. By adopting sustainable mining practices, Trade and Investment Opportunities in the developing infrastructure, and exploring new ASALs deposits, the mining and quarrying sub-sector can contribute to economic growth and job The trade opportunities presented by regional creation. Furthermore, the strategic location integration are immense. One of the most of the ASALs allows for cross-border trade with significant benefits of regional integration is neighbouring countries. The region shares access to a larger market. The EAC bloc has borders with Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, a combined population of over 180 million South Sudan, and Somalia, which are emerging people, a market which Kenya can tap into. frontiers for regional trade. By leveraging trade With the free movement of goods and services agreements within the EAC, COMESA and across borders, businesses based in ASALs AfCFTA and utilizing market corridors such can access a bigger market, increasing their as the North-Western, North-Central, and customer base, and therefore their income. North-Eastern corridors, the ASALs can tap It is also worth noting that urbanization is a into regional trade opportunities and expand growing trend in Kenya, with many people their market reach. This also has opportunity 18 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE to facilitate trade and investment by providing Wajir and Mandera, who encounter difficulties ASAL businesses with access to regional and at border points between Kenya and Ethiopia continental markets and expanding their where cumbersome clearance procedures customer base. slow down trade and amplify costs (Shewaye et al., 2021). Additionally, the region’s trade To fully capitalize on these trade and investment prospects are significantly impacted by border prospects, it is essential to address the disputes and security concerns. Tensions challenges facing the ASALs. By maximizing along the Kenya-Somalia border, for example, the benefits of regional integration and often disrupt the movement of goods and effectively leveraging the unique economic discourage cross-border trade due to security activities in the ASALs, Kenya can unlock the uncertainties and trade route disruptions. full potential of the region. This, in turn, will Insecurity and conflicts tied to access of drive economic growth, generate employment natural resources is particularly pronounced opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of in pastoralist regions such as Marsabit and communities residing in the ASALs. Isiolo counties. These challenges are further The development of market chains is likely compounded by localized cross-border to enhance competitiveness of commodities conflicts linked to natural resources, primarily in the ASALs. However, this will need driven by the migration of livestock in search deliberate action and programmes, including of water and pasture. The complexity of the construction of special economic zones; situation is heightened by the coexistence improvement of transport infrastructure across of diverse tribes and ethnic groups. 3 Limited counties to supplement major highways; and access to finance is also a major constraint development of local and regional supply across the ASALs, particularly for small chains to support small traders to unleash businesses. This is evident in ASAL counties regional trade potential. such as Turkana where local entrepreneurs encounter difficulties accessing loans to Challenges to Maximizing the Benefits of expand their enterprises. This limited access Regional Integration to financial support affects their ability to engage in cross-border trade and investment, The challenges to fully realize the benefits of curbing their potential (ILO, 2020). regional integration in the ASALs are diverse and collectively impede progress. A notable Moreover, environmental vulnerabilities constraint is the deficit in infrastructure, manifest prominently, exemplified by encompassing insufficient road networks, prolonged droughts in counties such as unreliable energy supply, and limited digital Baringo, Wajir, Mandera, and Turkana. These connectivity. This combination of factors poses ecological challenges disrupt agricultural and barriers that obstruct the efficient movement of livestock activities, impacting the reliability of goods and essential information. For instance, traded goods in the region and exacerbating regions such as Turkana and Marsabit in the food security concerns (Government of northern part of Kenya face considerable Kenya, 2021). Inconsistent policy coordination challenges due to poor road conditions, is observable across ASAL counties where which not only escalate transportation costs varying interpretations and implementations but also hinder the timely exchange of goods. of regulations create inconsistencies (IGRTC, This connectivity gap not only affects the 2018). This scenario has the potential to deter competitiveness of local products but also potential investors seeking a predictable places entrepreneurs in these regions at a and harmonious business environment. disadvantage (FAO, 2016). Additionally, limited awareness of the existing regional and continental markets such as the Beyond infrastructural limitations, non-tariff EAC, COMESA and AfCFTA is evident among barriers emerge as a shared concern among ASAL communities, particularly in counties Kenyan traders in the ASALs. These encompass such as Mandera and Marsabit. Many residents complex customs procedures, inconsistent are unaware of the potential benefits of regulations, and bureaucratic obstacles. This issue is evident from the traders in Turkana, 3 Resilience analysis in Kenya (Isiolo, Marsabit and Meru) https://www.fao. org/3/i6892e/i6892e.pdf ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 19 regional integration, hindering their ability to perishable goods and enable businesses to seize cross-border trade opportunities (WFP, meet market demand effectively. 2013). In addition, construction of special economic Strategies to Enhance Regional Integration zones and the development of local and in the ASALs regional supply chains can unleash the trade potential of the ASALs. Special economic To maximize the benefits of regional zones provide designated areas where integration in ASALs, several strategies can businesses can benefit from preferential be implemented. One key strategy is to incentives, streamlined regulations, and strengthen cross-border trade and investment improved infrastructure. These zones attract policies. This can be achieved through both domestic and foreign investments, harmonization of regulations and customs creating employment opportunities and procedures, streamlining trade processes, fostering economic growth. Developing local and reducing trade barriers. By creating an and regional supply chains ensures efficient enabling environment for trade, businesses in production, distribution, and marketing of the ASALs can have easier access to regional goods, allowing ASAL businesses to compete markets and seize opportunities for growth. effectively in the domestic and international Promoting public-private partnerships markets. encourages investments and facilitates Conclusion and Recommendations technology transfer. Collaboration between the government and private sector entities In conclusion, regional integration presents can attract investment in the ASALs, leading to an opportunity for the ASALs to maximize the establishment of industries, job creation, the benefits of trade and investment. The and knowledge exchange. This can contribute region’s vast natural resources, coupled with to the overall economic development of the its geographic location, provide a unique region. Supporting sustainable agriculture opportunity for businesses to tap into a and apiculture is another important strategy. larger market and for investors to invest in Capacity building initiatives, training the region’s potential. However, for regional programmes, and access to markets can integration to be successful, the National enhance the productivity and profitability Government, in collaboration with ASAL of agricultural and apicultural activities in counties, needs to address the challenges the ASALs. Introducing innovative farming facing the region, primarily in infrastructure techniques, such as climate-smart agriculture development, human capital development, and water-efficient irrigation systems, can help adequate regulatory frameworks, and policies, address challenges related to water scarcity and drought management. Additionally, the and environmental sustainability. private sector needs to play a proactive role in exploring the opportunities presented by Another crucial aspect is the development regional integration, which will not only benefit of robust infrastructure. Improving transport the region economically but also socially, networks such as roads, railways, and ports reducing poverty and enhancing the quality enhances connectivity within and beyond the of life for the people living in the region. ASALs. This facilitates the efficient movement With concerted efforts and collaboration, of goods and services, reduces transportation the ASALs can become vibrant hubs of trade costs, and increases market access. Investing and investment, contributing to the overall in storage facilities such as warehouses and economic growth and development of the cold storage could help preservation of country. 20 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE Legislative Developments from April 2023 to June 2023 A) Acts of Parliament provide for the management and regulation of conflict of interest in 1. The Appropriation Act 2023 the discharge of official duties and was gazetted on 26th June 2023. for connected purposes. The principal object of the Act is to authorize the issuance of a sum 2. The National Government of money out of the Consolidated Constituencies Development Fund and its application towards Fund (Amendment) Bill 2023 was the service of the year ending gazetted on 24th April 2023. The on the 30th of June 2024 and to principal object of the Bill is to appropriate that sum and a sum amend the National Government voted on account by the National Constituencies Development Assembly for certain public services Fund, No. 30 of 2015 to provide and purposes. that the projects that are to be undertaken under the Fund shall 2. The Finance Act 2023 was be projects that fall within the gazetted on 26th June 2023. The exclusive mandate of the National principal object of the Act is to Government. This is to align the amend the laws relating to various Act with the Constitution on the taxes and duties; and for matters distinct role and functions of the incidental thereto. National and County Governments B) National Assembly Bills and to avoid conflict between the two levels of government. 1. The Conflict-of-Interest Bill 2023 was gazetted on 3rd April 2023. 3. The Finance Bill 2023 was The principal object of the Bill is to gazetted on 28 th April 2023. The ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 21 Bill was submitted by the Cabinet Persons with Disabilities Act, No. Secretary for the National Treasury 14 of 2003 and have in place a and Planning and formulates the law that is consistent with the proposals announced in the Budget Constitution of Kenya. 2010. The for 2023/2024 relating to liability Bill places emphasis on human to, and collection of taxes, and for rights approach towards realization matters incidental thereto. The Bill of the rights of persons with amends finance-related legislation disabilities in Kenya and societal including the Income Tax Act, the responsibility to protect and Value Added Tax Act, The Excise promote them. Duty Act, the Tax Procedures Act, 2015 and the Miscellaneous Fees 7. The Anti-Corruption and and Levies Act, 2016. Economic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2023 was gazetted on 19th 4. The Public Finance Management June 2023. The principal object (Amendment) Bill 2023 was of the Bill is to amend the Anti- gazetted on 4th May 2023. The Corruption and Economic Crimes principal object of the Bill is Act, 2003 to delete the provision to amend the Public Finance providing for the disqualification Management Act No. 18 of 2012 to of persons convicted of corruption operationalize the Public Debt and or economic crimes from being Borrowing regarding framework elected or appointed as public for monitoring the level of public officers. debt to align it with the provisions of Article 214(2) of the Constitution 8. The Supplementary Appropriation which defines “public debt” to (No. 2) Bill 2023 was gazetted on st mean all financial obligations 21 June 2023. The Bill makes attendant to loans raised or provision for giving statutory guaranteed and securities issued sanction for public expenditure for the year ending on the 30th or guaranteed by the National of June Government. 2023, based on the Supplementary II Estimates of Expenditure 2022/23 5. The Institute of Social Work (Recurrent) and the Supplementary Professionals Bill, 2023 was II Estimates of Expenditure gazetted on 10th May 2023. The 2022/23 (Development) and for the principal object of the Bill is to appropriation of those amounts. establish the Institute of Social Work Professionals and to regulate C. Senate Bills the training registration and 1. The Agriculture and Food licensing of registered social work Authority (Amendment) Bill, professionals. 2023 was gazetted on 6th April 6. The Persons with Disabilities Bill 2023. The principal object of this 2023 was gazetted on 12th June Bill is s to amend Section 43 of the 2023. The principal object of the Agriculture and Food Authority Bill is to give effect to Article 54 of Act, 2013 to exempt cashew nuts, the Constitution; to restructure the macadamia nuts and bixa from National Council for Persons with the ban on export of raw produce. Disabilities and to provide for its The ban is currently unfavourable functions and powers; to provide to the further development of the for the institutional framework nuts industry because farmers are for protecting, promoting and unable to obtain competitive prices monitoring the rights of persons from the local processors of nuts with disabilities; and for connected who have been down regulating purposes. It seeks to repeal the prices downwards to the detriment 22 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE of the farmer. The amendment is 3. The Constitution of Kenya necessary because it will enable (Amendment) Bill 2023 was nuts farmers to benefit from gazetted on 13th April 2023. The better prices from export sales. principal object of this Bill is to The amendment is also aimed amend the Constitution to give at enabling farmers add value to effect to the two thirds gender byproducts such as macadamia principle through the creation of kernels, which are currently being special seats that will ensure that disposed of. Additionally, the the gender principle is realized amendment will stop smuggling of in Parliament and further that macadamia nuts to neighbouring the state takes legislative, policy countries, which has been denying and other measures including the Kenya foreign exchange earnings. setting of standards, to achieve the realization of the principle. 2. The Equalization Fund (Administration) Bill 2023 was 4. The County Hall of Fame Bill, gazetted on 12th April 2023. The 2023 was gazetted on 12th May principal object of this Bill is to 2023. The principal object of this provide for the administrative Bill is to provide a means through structure for the management which exceptional individuals in of the Equalisation Fund and to each county is recognized and establish the criteria through which honoured by their counties. The projects contemplated under Bill creates a forum by which the Article 204(2) of the Constitution County Governments can honour are identified. A critical provision persons who may not necessarily in the Bill also seeks to extend be recognized at the National the pendency of the Fund in Level but are heroes and heroines accordance with Article 204(8) of within their respective counties. the Constitution. Cognizant that The Bill therefore appreciates that the period contemplated under each county may have a group of Article 204(7) on the life of the persons that it may want to honour Fund will soon come to an end at the county level of government. before the Fund has achieved its The County Hall of Fame purpose, it is critical to extend the established by this Bill creates a time limit for the Fund to ensure forum for the recognition of such the purpose of the Fund is met. persons. ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 23 Policy News A. Bilateral Cooperation Kenya – United States Strategic Bilateral Dialogue with Secretary of State Anthony Kenya–Japan Relations Blinken in Washington DC on 25 April 2023, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora after weeks of friendly negotiations. The CS Affairs, Dr Alfred Mutua, held talks with the was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary for Japanese Ambassador to Kenya Ambassador Investment, Trade and Industry, Hon. Moses Okaniwa Ken on 12 April 2023 to discuss Kuria alongside other senior government strategic matters between Kenya and Japan, officials. During the bilateral session, they including the scheduled High-Level Visit to discussed and agreed on partnership in Kenya by H.E. Fumio Kishida Prime Minister the areas of trade and investments for job of Japan. On observing the significance of creation and visas for youth empowerment, the visit by PM Kishida, the CS welcomed health, food security, climate change, regional the opportunity to reinforce Kenya-Japan peace, and security. On jobs and visas, the bilateral and multilateral relations, particularly United States is setting up a framework on matters of trade and investment, so that Kenyans can apply for jobs in the infrastructural development, academia, country and speedily get visas to work in and increased collaborations on matters of the United States. The United States was regional peace and security. Dr Mutua also also working on modalities to speed up visa noted Japan’s concurrent membership of the processing at the Nairobi Embassy to reduce UN Security Council and the Presidency of G7 the long waiting times. On jobs and visas, the and appealed for the country’s intervention on United States committed to support Kenya’s matters of importance to the Global South. To universal healthcare programme with a focus this end, the Cabinet Secretary invited Japan’s on epidemic control and manufacturing of support for the Africa Climate Summit that will vaccine and pharmaceutical production, which be presided by H.E. President William Ruto as will also create jobs for Kenyans and transfer the Chairperson and Coordinator of African technology. They agreed on continuation of Union’s Meeting of the Committee of African the support for HIV/AIDS medication to build Heads of State and Government on Climate capacity to produce our own within 5 years. Change (CAHOSCC). They also hailed the deal with Moderna, which will set a vaccine production factory Kenya–United States Relations in Kenya from 2023. On food security and climate change, the United States committed Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora to facilitating Kenya on sustainable food Affairs, Dr Alfred Mutua co-chaired the 24 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE production instead of food aid through water Ruto had bilateral talks with Olaf Scholz (the harvesting programmes (dams), value addition Chancellor of Germany). To increase the technology, and agribusiness technology to capacity of the Olkaria Geothermal Station, encourage the youth to embrace farming. On Germany has devoted to providing finances regional peace and security, the United States for its expansion. This support is timely is one of the valued partners on Kenya’s efforts as Kenya seeks to achieve a 100 per cent to stabilize the region for peace and security. clean energy grid. The two leaders agreed to join forces in championing the activities Kenya–Spain Relations of the Climate Club. They further discussed The Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and the eventualities of not only extending the Diaspora Affairs, Dr Alfred Mutua together capacity of TVETs in Kenya but also increasing with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Kenya’s export of skilled labour to Germany. Union, and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares President Ruto requested Chancellor Scholz held bilateral discussions in Madrid, Spain on to assess and moderate immigration laws to 29th April 2023. They deliberated on a broad allow Kenyans explore job opportunities in range of activities that anchor Kenya-Spain Germany. They settled on the establishment bilateral relations. They signed a memorandum of a technical team that will promptly and of understanding that will see Kenyans quickly come up with a suitable framework trained in Spanish language to enhance it for labour exportation to Germany. President as a major language of study in Kenya and Ruto also called on the Chancellor to critically open opportunities for Kenyan youth abroad. evaluate the tariff barriers to ease entry of They discussed various partnerships and Kenyan products into the German market and commitment by Spain towards Kenya, which the European market. The President also said includes funds for improving the railway that Germany accepted to help Kenya in its system and roads particularly on an overpass efforts to wrap up the Economic Partnership at Junction Mall area of Nairobi’s Ngong Agreement between the East African road. The two Ministers also reviewed trade Community and the European Union on the partnership where 1,000 companies sell their principle of variable geometry. For small and products to Kenya every year and deliberated medium-sized enterprises, the two countries on how Kenyans can sell their products in agreed to complete the structure of exchange Spain. programmes. Kenya–Nigeria Relations Kenya–United Kingdom Relations On 30th April 2023, President Ruto highlighted The Principal Secretary of State Department that Kenya and Nigeria were working together for Foreign Affairs, Dr Korir Sing’oei, made a to bring forth more opportunities for their fruitful trip to London on 7 th May 2023 where people by deepening the existing trade and he met with senior officials of the United th diplomatic relations. He mentioned the key Kingdom. On 9 May 2023, the Principal areas of interest for both countries as being Secretary paid a courtesy call on Lord St John agriculture, technology, renewable energy, of Blesto, a member of the House of Lords, and the service industry. He further said that the Upper House of the British Parliament. The Kenya looks forward to increasing trade with two leaders explored opportunities in an array Nigeria by increasing tea, horticultural, textile of cross-cutting areas of mutual benefit to and processed food exports. The President Kenya and the UK including climate change, further called on Nigerian enterprises to renewable energy, digital transformation, and look at opportunities in Kenya. He made smart cities, trade, and investment. PS Sing’oei these sentiments when he met Nigeria Vice and Sir Phillip Robert Barton, the Permanent President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at State House, Undersecretary for Foreign Commonwealth Nairobi. and Development Affairs met on 10 th May 12023. The PS hailed the Kenya–UK relations Kenya–Germany Relations as being one of the strongest anchored on Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership 2020-2025, During a media briefing on 5th May 2023, at which was launched on 21st January 2020. the State House in Nairobi President William ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 25 The PS underscored the necessity of reviving Kenya–United Arab Emirates Relations bilateral collaboration between the two nations, with Dr Sing’oei revealing that the President William Ruto met with Dr Sultan Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership is anticipated Al-Jaber (the UAE Minister for Industry and to undergo a mid-term review to define areas Cooperatives and the designated President that demand more focus in terms of bilateral for COP28) in which the President stated that engagements. Sir Barton stated that Kenya Kenya and the UAE will join forces to make is a crucial ally of the UK in the Eastern and the 28th United Nations Climate Change Horn of Africa region. He indicated that the Conference a success and that the pre- UK is committed to collaborating closely with conference meetings in Nairobi and Paris must Kenya on major international issues such as bring forward an agreement accepted by all terrorism, cybercrime, and climate change. He countries, whether developed or developing praised Kenya’s function as a regional peace emitters or non-emitters at the COP 28 to be anchor. The PS also held talks with other held in Dubai. The President further elaborated leaders in the UK. that climate change is an established threat to all; therefore, COP 28 will be a turning point in Kenya–Canada Relations climate action. Dr Al-Jaber highlighted that a united front at COP28 will bring forth necessary Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora solutions and provide a revolutionary COP28. Affairs, Dr Alfred Mutua made an official visit He further stated that the UAE seeks to invest to Canada where he met with his Canadian in Kenya’s renewable energy resources. Counterpart, Hon. Mélanie Joly on 15th May 2023 and deliberated on the progress Kenya–Russia Relations made towards achieving the common goals as envisioned under the Kenya-Canada While hosting the Russian Foreign Affairs Binational Commission. The two foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov at State House ministers agreed to jumpstart the Foreign Nairobi, President William Ruto noted the low Investment Promotion and Protection trade between Russia and Kenya despite the Agreement (FIPPA) and further discussed existing huge potential. He said that Kenya ways to strengthen cooperation in areas proposes to deepen its trade relations with such as trade and investment, agriculture, Russia. The two countries are set to sign a education (TVET), immigration, climate trade agreement that will provide business the change, the blue economy, culture tourism, required momentum. They acknowledged the international politics, peace and security, need to reform the United Nations Security water (dams) development and production Council to enhance its representation and of green hydrogen. They agreed on several responsiveness to the 21st Century needs. measures to encourage Kenyans to live and President Ruto stated that Africa should work in Canada. CS Mutua informed that the have representation in the Security Council two sides would finalize on a system where (the UN’s top-decision making organ). Africa Canadian curriculum will be incorporated in can bring forth enriched ideas, suggestions, Kenya’s Technical Training Colleges (TVETs) so and experiences relevant to Africa that can that by the time a student graduates they are in turn serve the globe well. The president prepared and have the Canadian minimum further noted that Kenya and Africa can rely star fares necessary to quickly integrate in the on friendly nations such as Russia in the Canadian labour market. On 16th May 2023, process of creating new architecture at the CS Mutua met with the Hon. Sean Fraser, UN Security Council. Mr Lavrov complimented Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees Russia’s friendship with Kenya, which has been and Citizenship. They agreed on the various prevailing for 60 years and that its relationship migration opportunities for Kenyans to live with Africa developed a new momentum or work in Canada. CS Mutua also met other after the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit held in Canadian senior state officers and discussed Sochi, Russia. In addition, growth in science matters of mutual interests between Kenya cooperation has escalated between the two and Canada. countries. 26 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE EU–Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement bring greater prosperity to the continent” was officially opened by the Principal Secretary, Kenya and the European Union (EU) signed State Department for Trade, Alfred Ombudo the European Union Economic Partnership K’Ombudo. PS Ombudo underscored Kenya’s Agreement (EPAs) on 29th June 2023. The commitment in advancing Africa through signing between Ministry of Investment, trade, citing that trading among African states Trade and Industry Minister, Moses Kuria and is low compared to trade with the western the European Commission Executive Vice- countries. The PS stressed on the facilitation President and EU Trade Commissioner, Valdis of visa free movement across African countries Dombrovskis was witnessed by President and the removal of trade barriers to allow free William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi movement of goods in the continent. The Gachagua at State House, Nairobi. The event was attended by Eritrean Ambassador Agreement aims to implement bilaterally Beyene Russom, who also serves as the the provisions of the Economic Partnership country envoy to UNEP and UN-Habitat. He Agreement between the EU and the East spoke on the necessity for Africa to cooperate African Community (EAC) Partner States, on to develop its economies and ensure its which negotiations were finalized in 2014. technological development. The EU-Kenya Agreement will remain open to accession of the EAC Partner States. The President Ruto Addresses 22nd COMESA agreement is, therefore, set to expand Kenya’s Summit exports to the EU as it sets pace for trade liberation, offering tariff-free quota-free access In his address at the 22nd Common Market of Kenyan exports to Europe. Kenyan exports for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) will enjoy duty and quota free market access to Summit of Heads of State and Government in the EU. It secures a market for Kenyan farmers Lusaka, Zambia, on 8 th June 2023, President and boosts their income potential and lastly William Ruto urged the COMESA member expands and guarantees continued flower states to change tact in their approach to trade. exports to the EU. The agreement is intended The President urged the continent to move to foresee immediate full liberalization of the away from primary production and exports of EU market for Kenyan products, incentivize EU raw materials to manufacturing. African States investment to Kenya, contain strong trade and should embrace value addition, especially sustainability commitments, including binding of agricultural commodities, to enhance provisions on labour matters and environment productivity as this will in turn offer higher and the fight against climate change, among returns, incentivize industrialization, boost other aspects. competitiveness, and create employment. He further urged the COMESA regional bloc B. Regional Policy News to take advantage of its 580 million market demand to enhance trade. The President also Africa Day 2023 called for the consolidation of the COMESA, Director General, Bilateral and Political Affairs, the East African Community, and the Southern Ambassador George Orina accompanied African Development Community to enhance by Ambassador Jean Kimani, Permanent the African Continental Free Trade Area Representative, Kenya Permanent Mission to agreement which will boost Africa’s bargaining UN Habitat, Mr James Kiiru, Director Africa, and power at the global scene. AU, joined representatives from AU Members IGAD Expands Countries to Resolve Issues in States and other members of the international Sudan diplomatic community in celebrating the African Day 2023 held in Nairobi on 25th May During the Ordinary Summit of the 2023. The Africa Day celebrates the 60th Intergovernmental Authority on Development Anniversary of the Organization of the African (IGAD) on 12th June 2023, a decision was Unity (OAU) and the subsequent formation reached to add Ethiopia to original three of the African Union (AU). The celebration regional states namely Kenya, South Sudan themed “Accelerating the implementation and Djibouti that had been selected to facilitate of the African Continental Free Trade Area to the Sudanese peace process. Djibouti, being ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 27 the Chair at the IGAD Summit, the quartet will oriented, yet labour rights also include the be led by Kenya. Kenyan President William unemployed. As such, the dialogue will Ruto was nominated to the quartet to organize bring forth sustainable ways to counter direct talks with the two Sudanese generals, unemployment. He highlighted that the thus signalling the concerted effort to resolve highest unemployment rates were recorded the conflict in Sudan. Kenya committed to in African countries. He called upon African meeting Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan countries to hasten realization of Agenda 2063 of Sudanese Armed Forces and General and the SDGs to generate more opportunities Mohamed Daglo ‘Hemedti’ of the Rapid for its people. Support Forces whose disagreement over the transition led to eruption of armed conflict on KIPPRA Collaborative Research Projects 15th April 2023, leading to more than 1,200 a) MOU among KIPPRA, KNBS and COG on deaths, 800,000 displacements and serious Automation of County Statistical Systems property destruction. In recognition of the need for joint effort to C. Global Policy News support development of county statistics, Kenya and UNCTAD to Champion Global KIPPRA, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Trade (KNBS), and the Council of Governors (COG) with support from UNICEF signed a tripartite The International Labour Organization World Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in of Work Summit held in Geneva Switzerland, January 2023. The following activities were President William Ruto and UNCTAD implemented in April to June 2023. Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan met on 15th June 2023 and agreed to work on matters a) Completion of a study report dealing with trade and development as they assessing county needs in relation saw it as not only a path to growth but also to statistical systems a key to integration and boosting developing b) A workshop held in Naivasha in countries. The UNCTAD Secretary-General June 2023 in which the study highlighted that the agency will be launching report was validated, and an its African Report in Nairobi in August. Apart implementation matrix and from other matters, the report has also roadmap for the automation of assessed Kenya’s e-commerce level. President county statistics was developed. Ruto acknowledged availability of financial infrastructure to support e-commerce and b) The Domestic Savings Shortfall in Sub- that its global leadership makes it occupy a Saharan Africa: What Can Be Done About It? unique position that can foresee the growth of e-commerce. He also noted that the bankable KIPPRA in collaboration with UNU-WIDER population in Kenya has risen from about 30 is working on a book on savings titled: “The per cent to about 80 per cent stemming from Domestic Savings Shortfall in Sub-Saharan the tech-savvy nature of Kenyans and the Africa: What Can Be Done About It?”. The availability of online services. This has seen book aims to close a gap in knowledge increased provision of online government about drivers of domestic savings rates in services showcased by 320 government Sub-Saharan Africa; whether alternative services online in September 2022, and 4,000 approaches, such as pension funds or fintech, services with a target of 5,000 services by end could provide new solutions to increase of June. He further stated the government’s domestic savings; and lessons learnt from initiative to install 25,000 WiFi hotspots the experiences so far in different countries at markets and urban centres is ongoing. in Sub-Saharan Africa and other regions that President Ruto challenged the ILO to ensure have been more successful in raising savings that its dialogue also covers the unemployed. rates. He noted the ILO system is majorly worker- 28 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE KIPPRA Events ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 29 A) Conferences and Symposia that the government is seeking partnership in investments to plug the food deficit to a The 6th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference surplus. He further noted that the dry lands a great success are the panacea to Kenya’s food security. The three-day conference attracted more than 800 delegates per day, who participated in the main and parallel events held over the three days. The youth event, which run parallel to the main conference, brought together 289 youth, representing mainly 29 arid and semi- arid lands’ (ASAL) counties in Kenya. The youth event was attended by university students, students from TVET colleges and the National Youth Service. The youth also included youth community development mobilizers, youth innovators and solution providers, KIPPRA hosted the 6th KIPPRA Annual youth in government and non-government Regional Conference from 21st to 23rd June organizations, youth with community-based 2023 at Pwani University in Kilifi County. The groups and youth leading youth-based civil conference, which brought together State and society organizations and associations. non-State actors, was officially opened by H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President of the More than 20 institutions got a chance to Republic of Kenya and attended by Cabinet showcase their products and services in the Secretary, East Africa Community, ASALs and exhibition booths provided by KIPPRA. Regional Development, Ms Rebecca Miano; Kilifi County Governor H.E Gideon Mung’aro; Kenya Think Tanks Symposium 2023 Garissa County Governor, H.E Nathif Jama; Baringo Governor, H.E. Benjamin Cheboi; PS State Department for Economic Planning, Mr James Muhati; and PS ASALs Idris Dokata. The conference themed “Accelerating Economic Growth and Development for ASALs in Kenya” provided a forum for policy makers, implementers, and other stakeholders to explore areas of economic potential in ASAL counties and a platform for State KIPPRA in collaboration with Kenya Think and non-State actors to explore economic Tanks Forum hosted the Kenya Think opportunities in accelerating growth and Tanks Symposium on 27th April 2023. The development in ASALs. Moreover, the symposium brought together Kenya Think conference provided youth with a platform Tanks to establish a platform for Think Tanks to appreciate and explore employment and to contribute towards discussions on climate business opportunities available in ASALs. change to define the priorities for African Speaking at the conference, the Deputy nations. President underscored the importance of The symposium was officially opened by PS, economic development of ASALs to Kenya’s Economic Planning, Mr James Muhati and economic growth, noting that the future attended by KIPPRA Board Chair, Dr Benson of Kenya is in arid and semi-arid lands and Ateng’ and Executive Director Dr Rose Ngugi. 30 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE B) Workshops and Roundtables Stakeholder Validation Workshop for KIPPRA Strategic Plan Stakeholder Roundtable on Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Food Hygiene and Safety KIPPRA held a stakeholder validation workshop for its strategic plan (2023/24 – 2027/28) on 6th June 2023. The workshop aimed at presenting the draft and receiving stakeholder input. Among the organizations present were the Kenya National Commission KIPPRA held a Stakeholder Roundtable on for UNESCO, University of Nairobi, Tegemeo Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Institute, Kenya Film Classification Board, in Food Hygiene and Safety on 30th June International Food Policy Research Institute, 2023. The roundtable brought together Technical University of Kenya, and the Kenya stakeholders in the hospitality industry and National Bureau of Statistics. gave the Institute valuable inputs that will improve the outcomes of the study. Dissemination Workshop on Institutions and Export Performance and Unlocking EAC Stakeholder Workshop on Transition to Green Export Market Potential Economy to the Counter Effects of Climate Change KIPPRA held a dissemination workshop on institutions and export performance and unlocking EAC export market potential on th KIPPRA held a stakeholder workshop on 16 June 2023. The aim of the workshop was productive sector department concept note to disseminate findings from the two studies. on transition to green economy to counter The workshop was attended by stakeholders effects of climate change on 30th June 2023. from the trade sector. The workshop was attended by Director Integrated Development, Dr Moses Muthinja. ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 31 Dissemination Workshop on the Effects of Drought and Floods on Schooling and the Role of Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Promoting Health in Kenya. Dissemination Workshop on the Effects of Drought and Floods on Schooling and the Role of Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Promoting Health in Kenya on 14th June 2023 in Nairobi. The workshop brought together stakeholders from Education and Health Sectors. Sectoral Dissemination Workshop on Building Resilience for Manufacturing and Trade Among the organizations represented in the forum include Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK), German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, Machakos County Trade, Kiambu County, Communications Authority of Kenya, Makueni County, Kenya Bureau Dissemination Workshop on the Role of of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Development National Values in Enhancing Socio-economic Corporation, National Council for Persons Resilience with Disabilities and Ministry of Energy among others. Sectoral Dissemination Workshop of KER 2022 C) Capacity Building KIPPRA held a Kenya Economic Report 2022 sectoral dissemination workshop, focusing Capacity Building Workshop on Evidence- on building resilience for manufacturing Based Policy Making and trade sectors, on macroeconomic KIPPRA organized a capacity building performance and medium-term prospects, workshop for programme directors, assistant entrenching a resilient economy, role of directors, and economists from the Central national values in enhancing socio-economic Project Planning Monitoring Units on the resilience, leveraging on science, technology effectiveness of the public policy making and innovation for a resilient and knowledge- process for nutritional-based decision-makers. based economy, good governance in building The training was conducted from 12th to 20th resilience, building resilience through the April 2023 in Kisumu. The main objective of digital economy, and enhancing a resilient the course was to train the officers to positively and sustainable livestock industry in Kenya influence policy making at their places of from 18th May to 6th June 2023. The aim of work and to learn how to formulate a policy the workshop was to present overviews of document. the Kenya Economic Report 2022 chapters, including key findings and recommendations, and provide a platform for stakeholder dialogue. 32 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE Young Professionals Workshop on Enhancing Livelihoods and Economic Development of ASALs in Kenya KIPPRA Young Professionals held a workshop on Enhancing Livelihoods and Development of the Households in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya on 30th and 31st May 2023. The workshop aimed at facilitating discussions and generating ideas on how to address the challenges faced by communities living in ASALs. The discussions will be critical in shaping the research papers being undertaken at the Institute through the Young Professionals’ programme. ED Dr Rose Ngugi and-Kilifi-County-Governor H.E Gideon Mungaro pose for a photo after signing of the MOU KMPUs Policy Clubs Training KIPPRA trained KIPPRA Mentorship Programme for Universities (KMPUs) Policy Clubs from 27th to 30th June 2023. The virtual training was facilitated by KIPPRA’s Head of Capacity Building Programme, Dr Nancy Nafula. The policy clubs aim to create awareness and develop capacity of the university community in understanding the public policy making process. DP-Gachagua-addresses participants at the conference Capacity Building for Counties on Nutrition, Public Policy Making Process (PPMP) and Creating Enabling Environment for Private Sector (CEEP) KIPPRA has bult capacity of 18 counties on Staff follow the proceedings of Induction nutrition, public policy making process and Workshop for KIPPRA Staff creating enabling environment for private sector from 6th to 12th June 2023. The sessions D) Partnerships were facilitated by KIPPRA Policy Analysts Singapore High Commissioner to Kenya Visits and gave county officers an opportunity to KIPPRA gain understanding of public policy making process, nutrition indicators and creating A delegation from Singapore, led by enabling environment for private sector. Amb. Yatiman Yusof -- Non-Resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Kenya, visited KIPPRA on 16th May 2023. Discussions during the meeting centred around experiences in ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 33 Kenya and Singapore on sustainable public Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027 on 18th debt, domestic resource mobilization and May 2023. Dr Ngugi accompanied Economic growth of the public housing sector. Planning Secretary, Ms Katherine Muoki. The KIPPRA team was led by the Dr Rose Ngugi and included Dr Moses Muthinja, Dr Eldah Onsomu, Ms Irene Mithia, and Ms Beverly Musili. The visiting team was accompanied by two officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Launch of Social Accounting Matrix Kenya Climate Change Working Group Chair Visits KIPPRA A team from Kenya Climate Change Working Principal Secretary, State Department for Group led by their Chair, Mr John Kioli paid Planning (2nd right), KIPPRA Board Chair, Dr a courtesy call to KIPPRA Executive Director Benson Ateng’ (right) at the Kenya Think Tank Dr Rose Ngugi on 27th May 2023. Dr Ngugi Symposium 2023 and the team deliberated on potential areas KIPPRA meets staff from the Ministry of of collaboration regarding the 6th KIPPRA Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Annual Regional Conference and partnerships in the areas of climate change. A team of KIPPRA staff led by Head of Partnerships Department Dr Eliud Moyi met officials of Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on 10th May 2023. Discussions centered on potential areas of collaboration. 5th NIPN-Global-Gathering KIPPRA Signs MOU with Kilifi County Government KIPPRA and Kilifi County Government signed an MOU on mutual areas of collaboration KIPPRA Executive Director (centre) speaks to on 23rd June 2023. The signing ceremony of KCCWG Chair (left) during the meeting the MOU was attended by KIPPRA Executive KIPPRA Participates in the Launch of Kakamega Director, Dr Rose Ngugi, and Kilifi Governor County Integrated Development Plan H.E. Gideon Mungaro. Also present were County CECMs, County Attorney and KIPPRA KIPPRA Executive Director, Dr Rose Ngugi, Senior Legal Officer, Ms Jane Mugambi. paid a courtesy call to Kakamega County Governor, H.E. Fernandes Barasa during the launch of Kakamega County Integrated 34 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE KIPPRA Participates in Tree Planting Exercise at Kaptagat and Misango Hills KIPPRA Staff led by Director Corporate Services, Ms Irene Mithia joined PS, The National Treasury, Dr Chris Kiptoo for the 7th Edition of the Kaptagat Annual Tree Planting on 30th June 2023. The annual tree planting exercise aims to rehabilitate and restore degraded forest areas. The Institute also took part in tree planting exercise at Misango Hills in Kakamega County. The exercise was led by PS, Economic Planning, Mr James Muhati. KIPPRA Executive Director Dr Rose Ngugi (left) and Development Initiave, Director Africa Hub, Mr. Stephen Chacha sign the MOU E) CSR Activities KIPPRA Plants Trees to Support Government Reforestation Initiative KIPPRA, in collaboration with Wildlife Research and Training Institute (KWSTI), planted 1,000 trees at Naivasha Game Farm on 29th April and 19th May 2023. This is in addition to another 1,000 indigenous trees planted by staff in 2020 in the one-acre piece of land allocated to KIPPRA by KWSTI under the “adopt a forest initiative”. The tree planting exercise was led by KIPPRA Executive Director, Dr Rose Ngugi, and WRTI CEO Dr Patrick Omondi, who was represented by Acting Deputy Principal, Mr James Wachira. This brings to 3,000 the number of indigenous trees planted by KIPPRA since 2020 in the one-acre piece of land allocated by KWSTI under the “adopt a KIPPRA staff participate in Tree Planting at forest initiative”. Kinale Forest PS, The National Treasury, Dr Chris Kiptoo (Centre) plants trees with KIPPRA staff at Kaptagat Forest Challenge ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 35 F) Other Institute Activities Fun, Games and Learning at KIPPRA Staff Team Building KIPPRA staff participated in an exciting team building event in Naivasha on 28th and 29th April 2023. The event mostly entailed outdoor activities with several lessons. The team building began with a brief indoor session involving creating introductions that gave all the staff, Young Professionals, research assistants, temporary staff, interns, and those on attachment a chance to know more about each other. The session also saw climate-setting and motivational speeches from the Executive Director, Dr Rose Ngugi, and the three directors – Dr Moses Muthinja (Directorate of Integrated Development), Dr Eldah Onsomu (Directorate of Economic Management) and Ms Irene Mithia (Directorate of Corporate Services). Dr Ngugi thanked all the staff for their efforts towards the delivery of the Institute’s mandate. She noted that KIPPRA had recently marked its 25th anniversary and the team building provided an opportunity to reflect on journey and chart the way forward. OMING Staff pose for a group photo at the team building UPC Staff Sensitization on First Aid and Fire Safety KIPPRA staff were on Wednesday 24th May 2023 sensitized on first aid and fire safety. The exercise was organized by the Health and Safety Committee and facilitated by Mr Jackson Mutunga from S St Johns Ambulance. Staff gained an understanding of the causes and stages of fire, the fire ITIE extinguisher anatomy, the principles of extinguishing fire, the different classes of fire and fire TIV safety signages around the office. AC KIPPRA staff plants trees at the Naivasha Game Farm 36 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE UPCOMING ACTIVITIES ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 37 Southern Voice Think Tanks in Kenya Roundtable on Nexus between Devolution Participate in the 6th KIPPRA Annual and Good Governance Regional Conference KIPPRA will hold a roundtable on nexus Southern Voice think tanks in Kenya between devolution and good governance participated in the 6th KIPPRA Annual on 29th August 2023. The roundtable aims to Regional Conference, which was held in Kilifi incorporate views of the stakeholders that will County on 21st to 23rd June 2023. The three go a long way in enriching the outcomes of institutions are: KIPPRA, Institute of Economic the study. Affairs and the Global Centre for Policy and Strategy (GLOCEPS). KIPPRA Mentorship Programme for Universities at Laikipia University Given that Southern Voice is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the three think KIPPRA will hold the KIPPRA Mentorship thanks took some time to celebrate and cut a Programme for Universities (KMPUs) at cake ahead of the upcoming Southern Voice Laikipia University on 20 th September 2023. conference scheduled for 24th and 25th KMPUs strives to create awareness and October in Kenya. develop capacity of the University Community in understanding the public policy making Capacity Building of Nyandarua and Nairobi process. Counties on Public Policy Making Process Policy Seminar on Assessing Social Justice KIPPRA will conduct capacity building Principles in Kenya’s Constitution workshops on public policy making process for staff of Nyandarua and Nairobi Counties The Institute will hold a policy seminar on from 10th to 21st July 2023. The course is Assessing Social Justice Principles in Kenya’s st designed to introduce participants to public Constitution on 21 September 2023. The policy making by the government, on behalf of seminar will give the institute valuable the citizens. The course examines the various input from stakeholders that will enrich the stages of policy making and policy analysis outcomes of the study. and the policy instruments that governments Launch of Kenya Economic Report 2023 use to achieve their intended goals. KIPPRA will launch Kenya Economic Report 2023 on 28th September 2023. The report’s theme is “Cost of Living and The Role of Markets”. 38 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE NOTES _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE 39 40 ISSUE 15 , APRIL – JUNE 2023 ISSUE