USAID has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with West Pokot County government signifying its commitment to facilitate Kenyan-led development projects.
The MOU will transform and promote economic growth, good governance, community resilience, better health and education outcomes.
The USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission Director Mark Meassick said the MOU covers matters Health, Disaster Preparedness, Environment, Education, Budget and Planning among others.
During an event that was held at governor’s residence Mark Meassick noted that they will improve and support the lives of West Pokot county residents so that they can live as per their aspirations.
“The signing of this MoU is only the beginning. We look forward to further discussions on collaboration in key sectors for West Pokot’s development, as well as how we will implement this MoU together.” He said.
He added that the MOU builds upon prior work with West Pokot and West Pokot County is highly committed to advance Kenyan-owned, led, and managed development programs.
He said they will work with the work plans which all the USAID implemented funded partners working in West Pokot should co-create with the county government and should be signed by the governor and have a clear indication of the resources being brought on the table.
He added that the USAID will fund projects in the county government and will be managed directly by the county government.
Mark noted that they are currently funding universal health and education in West Pokot county and they will enhance the activities of county governments so that they can meet the needs of the people.
He added that they will focus on devolved units to develop their capabilities to bring better services to their people.
West Pokot county governor John Lonyangapuo said the MOU signed shows that they are going to be equal partners and friends on a journey to develop Kenyans.
He said he has received a lot of support from the USAID through a number of non- governmental organizations in terms of health, education, youths support among others.
He said the USAID has supported devolution for close to ten years as he applauded them for coming to the ground to support activities.
Lonyangapuo added that the journey with USAID will be moved to the next stage where every household will have water for domestic use and for irrigation.
He added that the county government has prioritized farming by giving certified seeds but the drought experienced last year led to food shortage and 90 percent of residents have no food.
He welcomed more partners in the county to work on farming projects so as to boost food production in the idle virgin land.
Lonyangapuo warned county officials who are after swindling the USAID funds citing that he will not allow funds to be misused and who ever will be found culpable of siphoning the funds will be prosecuted.