Residents and leaders oppose KVDA disbandment

West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor elected Chairman of the Senate Labour committee at Parliament on February 24, 2025 [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Leaders and residents of the North Rift region have criticised the government's decision to dissolve the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA).

The authority is among 16 state corporations slated for dissolution or merger as part of a National Treasury audit.

The leaders are calling on the government to reverse the decision and instead develop a clear legal framework to streamline the positive impact of regional development authorities, ensuring balanced development across the country.

West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor emphasized the need for public participation before any action is taken. He describes KVDA as a game-changer that has significantly improved the lives of people in the semi-arid region.

"The disbandment of KVDA would be a major setback to peace efforts in the troubled Kerio Valley, where water shortages fuel 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," said Murgor.

Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong criticized the proposal, arguing that Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) play a key role in addressing historical marginalization.

"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 suggested.

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.