MNARANI – In a significant boost to the development and welfare of residents in Kilifi and Tana River Counties, the government has entered into a collaboration with the Islamic Relief Organisation to implement a series of humanitarian projects.
According to Kenya News Agency, who spoke at a recent County Steering Group (CSG) meeting, the initiative, known as Strengthening Economic Prospects of Under-Privileged (STEP UP), aims to enhance the quality of life and economic opportunities for the less fortunate in these areas. The Islamic Relief Organisation presented the STEP UP project as a multi-faceted program designed to empower local communities through improved water access, education support, agricultural development, and women’s empowerment.
Mutisya, representing the County Commissioner, expressed the government’s support for Islamic Relief’s commitment to community development, highlighting the organization’s role in supplementing the efforts of national and local authorities. ‘Their programmes align with our developmental goals, particularly in essential services such as water supply, education, and agriculture,’ he noted.
He also emphasized the collaborative approach of the government, indicating that entities like the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) and departments focusing on agriculture, gender, and water would partner closely with Islamic Relief to ensure the project’s success. Nevertheless, he urged the organization to focus on underserved areas to prevent overlap with other development initiatives and to pay particular attention to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Hassan Abdille, the Director of Islamic Relief in Kenya, outlined the project’s components, which include water (WASH), education, aquaculture, and women’s entrepreneurship, all totaling an estimated investment of USD 1.5 million and poised to benefit around 24,000 households. Abdille detailed plans for renovating existing boreholes and desilting dams to enhance water conservation and availability, alongside infrastructural support for schools and women’s business ventures.
‘We will conduct a niche assessment to identify specific target areas, ensuring we reach the communities most in need and not previously served by our programs,’ Abdille stated.
Kilifi County NDMA Coordinator Abdi Musa commended Islamic Relief for its contribution to combating the drought crisis in the region. He stressed the NDMA’s role in coordinating with various stakeholders, including the government and NGOs, to maintain transparency and efficiency in developmental programs.
Islamic Relief’s efforts, coupled with strategic resource mobilization by NDMA, are set to fortify food security, economic stability, access to quality water and sanitation, and educational services, marking a substantial stride towards sustainable development in the counties of Kilifi and Tana River.