The Speaker of the National Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula has urged leaders from the pastoralist community to use their numerical strength in Parliament to advocate for better policies, enact supportive legislation, and ensure adequate funding for the sector.

 Speaking when he officially opened the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit 2024, Speaker Wetang’ula further called on the caucus to prioritize livestock production, improve breed quality, and strengthen marketing strategies.

“This summit provides an opportunity for us to address the challenges facing pastoralist communities," said Hon. Wetang'ula.

 “We must prioritize livestock production, improve breed quality, and strengthen marketing strategies to make the pastoralist economy more robust and sustainable”, he added.

 He also called on the delegates to leverage their significant numbers to influence policy formulation, enact legislation, and advocate for the allocation of sufficient funds to the sector.

 The summit, themed “Unlocking Policy and Financial Bottlenecks to Maximise Pastoralism Potential in Kenya,” seeks to address critical challenges affecting the pastoralist sector.

 It presents a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the development of practical solutions.

Turning to the matter of development in counties, he emphasized that devolution is working, as evidenced by the visible transformation in Wajir.

 “Even a doubting Thomas would be convinced upon seeing the progress”, he remarked.

Drawing on the words of Prof. Ali Mazrui, he challenged the Forum to shift this paradigm by fostering local trade and self-reliance, thereby strengthening Kenya's economic foundation.

 “As a nation, we consume what we don't produce and produce what we don't consume.”

He lauded the organizers, led by the Chairperson of the Pastoralist Parliamentary Group, Hon. Major (Rtd) Bashir Sheikh, and the Patron, Hon. (Rtd) Col. Dido Raso, for creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

 While laying emphasis on the critical role pastoralism plays in Kenya's economy, he called on leaders to champion policy reforms and resource allocation for the sector.

 At the same time, Speaker Wetang’ula stressed that addressing security challenges is fundamental to unlocking the full potential of pastoralist communities.

He noted that stability and peace are prerequisites for sustainable development in the region.

“If we can resolve issues of insecurity, many of our challenges will be significantly reduced,” he said.  

The host Governor H. E Ahmed Abdullahi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Council of Governors, cast a spotlight on the contribution of devolution to the development of marginalised pastoralist counties.

 He noted that the summit aims to identify and address gaps that still require donor support.

The Chairperson Pastoralist Parliamentary Group Hon. Bashir, also underscored its importance to the region.

 “This platform is a chance for structured dialogue, collaboration, and actionable solutions that will transform our communities,” he noted, pledging his county's commitment to the summit's objectives.

 On his part, the Patron, Hon. Dido Raso, emphasized that pastoralist economies must be integrated into Kenya's broader development agenda, highlighting issues such as climate change, drought, and flooding, which continue to disrupt livelihoods.

 His sentiments were supported by Kajiado County MP, Hon. Leah Sankaire.

“It is about time that we, as pastoralists, come together and ask the hard questions,” said Hon. Sankaire, the chairperson (KEWOPA).

 The summit has attracted approximately 600 delegates from across the country, including key stakeholders, policymakers, and development partners, underscoring the significance of this gathering in shaping the future of Kenya's pastoralist sector.