Leaders say dissolution of KVDA to reverse gains in fighting insecurity

Leaders and residents of the North Rift region have criticised the government over the planned dissolution of the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA).

The authority is among 16 state corporations slated for dissolution or merger after National Treasury audit.

The leaders called on the government to reverse the decision and instead develop a clear legal framework to streamline regional development authorities and ensure they make positive impact on society.

West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor called for public participation before dissolution of KVDA.

Murgor said KVDA has significantly improved the lives of the people in the semi-arid region.

“The dissolution of KVDA would be a major setback to peace efforts in the troubled Kerio Valley, where water shortage fuels resource-based conflicts. The authority has played a crucial role in fostering peaceful coexistence and development in counties like West Pokot, Samburu, Turkana, Baringo, and Elgeyo Marakwet,” he said.

Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong argued that Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) play a key role in addressing historical marginalisation.

“While we appreciate the government’s development vision, we oppose the dissolution of RDAs. Instead, an Act of Parliament should be initiated to unify these authorities under one legal framework, in line with the 2010 Constitution,” he said.

Lochakapong highlighted KVDA’s impactful projects in the region, such as the rehabilitation of Weiwei and Lomut irrigation schemes and the construction of roads, community furrows, and boreholes

He warned that without KVDA’s support, many youth who had turned to farming might revert to banditry and cattle rustling.

Weiwei Farmers Association Chairperson Mark Meut said the dissolution of KVDA would negatively impact 10,000 to 20,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries.

“We have walked a long journey with KVDA. The Kerio Valley region has greatly benefited, and this process should be reconsidered,” he said.

A farmer, Mercy Long’alio, outlined the economic benefits KVDA has brought, including, employment opportunities, increased household income, with farmers earning over Sh50 million annually, and improved health and education standards

Established in 1979 under CAP 441, KVDA is one of Kenya’s six Regional Development Authorities, tasked with alleviating poverty, promoting irrigation and water resource management, enhancing natural resource conservation and regenerating degraded land

KVDA serves Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, and Nakuru counties. Residents want the government to reconsider the decision, arguing that KVDA’s dissolution would undermine decades of progress in the region.