Samburu Governor Jonathan Lati Lelelit

Lelelit says the development gaps facing pastoralist communities require sustained investment in areas such as water, roads, healthcare, electricity, security and employment.

He is calling on pastoralist leaders in the National Assembly and Senate to initiate discussions on a 50-year framework that would guide development in historically marginalised areas.

The Governor says short-term interventions are unlikely to bridge disparities that have persisted for decades.

Lelelit is also proposing changes to extend the application of Article 204 of the Constitution, which provides for the Equalisation Fund.

He says a longer-term approach would enable successive governments to plan major projects beyond individual budget cycles and provide continuity in the delivery of essential services.

The proposal now puts the spotlight on the future of the Equalisation Fund and whether Parliament should consider a longer framework for addressing development inequalities in marginalised regions.