EU, UK, UN and US on joint visit to Garissa County to reaffirm commitment to promoting prosperity, security and stability

• During engagements with the Regional and County Commissioners, the Governor, and County Assembly, the delegation emphasised their shared commitment to addressing poverty and insecurity.
• In a meeting with civil society representatives, discussion focussed on how communities can drive peace and development in partnership with government.

On 29 April, Heads of Missions from the European Union (EU) Delegation to Kenya, the US Embassy, the British High Commission and the United Nations Resident Coordinator visited Garissa County.

European Union 2025

The visit represented the first by the North-East Advisory Group – a coalition of like-minded partners who are working with national and local governments, as well as civil society and community-led organisations, to progress development, peace and security in north-east Kenya. Garissa County has long faced security and development challenges which have blocked economic growth and compounded inequality. Alongside Lamu, Wajir and Mandera Counties, Garissa is now benefitting from coordinated donor and national government action to address these challenges. This includes support to host and refugee communities and development initiatives to promote access education and opportunities for young people, inclusive economic development and infrastructure, climate resilience and drought response and peace and security. Women’s participation and empowerment is central to efforts and vital to unlocking the region’s potential.

European Union 2025

During the visit, the delegation met Governor Nathif Jama Adam, the County Assembly and County Commissioners as well as a group of local civil society organisations. The delegation acknowledged the potential of the region and agreed to higher ambitions for coordinated investment and support.

The EU Ambassador, Henriette Geiger, highlighted the key contribution of counties and their communities in driving their own development through the devolution process:
“The European Union is a long-standing partner of Kenya’s devolution efforts. EU-Kenya partnership is strong thanks to investments in infrastructure, human capital and the green transition under the Global Gateway strategy which is underpinned by EU-Kenya Strategic Dialogue.”
 

British High Commissioner, Neil Wigan, said:

 “This visit demonstrates our shared commitment to driving security and stability in Garissa and other border counties.Today was an opportunity to set clear and ambitious goals for the year ahead, working in partnership with national and local governments, as well as civil society and communities. Greater collaboration will ensure a safer and more secure future for Kenya and the wider region. We go far, when we go together.”

Similarly, the UN Resident Coordinator, Stephen Jackson, underlined that 

“we partners remain committed to strengthening cooperation and to continue working closely with the Government of Kenya – at national and county level – to address the security and development challenges of Kenya’s North-East region and its borderlands. We’re working to help Kenya unlock the region’s potential and make sure that no one is left behind.”