The Governor of Meru County Kiraitu Murungi has called for concerted efforts and cooperation among county governments and various national government agencies in systematically and optimally opening up and facilitating exploitation of the full economic potential of the Northern Frontier counties whose extensive arid and semi arid lands(ASAL region) extends into nearly half of Meru County in areas covering Igembe, Tigania and parts of Buuri Sub Counties.

Governor Kiraitu said the various authorities should seize the opportunity presented by the current implementation of the massive Sh75 billion Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP) infrastructure that will see the tarmacking of the 740km Isiolo -Mandera highway, to ensure organization of the region into a proper economic block through improvement of security, subsidiary infrastructure such as organization and development of towns and markets, issuance of title deeds and provision of water among other amenities.

The Governor noted the road project whose 72km will fall in Meru County covering areas of Kulamawe, Ndumuru, and Modogashe, presents a rare opportunity for the region to be turned into a fast growing economic block in Kenya by facilitating trade and exchange of goods such as agricultural produce including Miraa and livestock among the counties as well as movement of trade goods and passengers through Isiolo International Airport.

He called for speedy resumption of flights and all associated services at the Airport in Isiolo which he termed as a sleeping giant.

Governor Kiraitu was speaking in Isiolo, during the official launch of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP) Isiolo -Mandera highway whose construction works are expected to begin in January next year. The Governor was joined at the event by Governors Mohamed Kuti of Isiolo, Ali Mohamud Mohamed of Marsabit, Ali Roba of Mandera, Godhana Dhadho Gaddae of Tana River and Ahmed Ali Muktar of Wajir County. The function was officiated by PS from the Ministry of Transport Dr. Eng. Joseph Njoroge.

Governor Kiraitu had successfully lobbied for inclusion of Meru County as an honorary member of the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) which is chaired by Madera Governor Ali Roba, to ensure the County benefits from affirmative action and other special projects, programs and initiatives meant for the ASAL counties such as the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
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