The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Community, ASALs, and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul, has pledged to spearhead development agendas for underserved regions and promote stronger integration within the East African Community.
While taking over the mantle from outgoing Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza in the same docket, during a brief-handover ceremony at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Coop Bank House, Nairobi, Askul said she will continue to capitalise on the goodwill already established in the EAC to promote Kenya’s grand national interests.
Among the key areas the CS will prioritise include leveraging on the bilateral and multilateral synergies to boost intra-EAC trade, tackling trade bottlenecks, and supporting the ongoing reforms, aimed at ensuring the EAC becomes more responsive to the citizens’ needs.
The CS said she will work together with EAC Partner States to sustain regional initiatives that promote peace and security in our region.
She pointed out that the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda Plan, the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP IV), and the Ministry’s Strategic Plan will be fundamental tools to guide the strategic direction towards achieving the Ministry’s goal.
On climate change mitigation, Askul pointed out that she will work tirelessly with ASAL and Regional Development stakeholders to implement sustainable practices and policies, which will protect the environment and secure the livelihoods of people who depend on it.
“Our ASAL regions are on the frontlines of climate vulnerability, and it is our duty to implement sustainable practices and policies that protect our environment and secure the livelihoods of those who depend on it,” she said.
To ensure sustainable development, Askul pledged to promote peaceful coexistence among communities by engaging on initiatives that foster dialogue, collaborate with diverse communities, saying, “Peace is the bedrock upon which all development is built.”
“We will engage in initiatives that foster dialogue, understanding, and collaboration across all our diverse communities, ensuring that every Kenyan lives in harmony,” said CS.
Askul promised to improve food and nutrition security by boosting resilient agricultural practices and robust food systems to ensure Kenyans access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, especially those living in ASAL regions.
“We will work to enhance food production, distribution, and accessibility, particularly in our ASAL regions, to guarantee that no Kenyan goes to bed hungry,” she said.
The CS said she will ensure the development agenda reaches every corner of the country, with a particular focus on uplifting ASAL regions, bridging inequalities, and unlocking their full potential for the benefit of all.
Askul called on the staff from her Ministry to heed the call and work together as a team to steer the docket towards achieving its goals, adding that she will be a servant leader dedicated to guide them to continue performing at its optimal level.
“I am confident that together, we will be able to steer this ministry towards achieving its goals. Our success will depend on our ability to work as one, leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise,” said CS Askul.
On her part, the outgoing Cabinet Secretary, Peninah Malonza, welcomed her successor to the Ministry, stating that she is joining a dynamic team of dedicated officers who are ready to implement key tenets of the BETA Plan and address matters crucial to Kenya’s economic interests and prosperity, adding that, “You are joining the Ministry that directly promotes the wellbeing of Kenyans.”
Malonza added that during her tenure, she eliminated non-tariff barriers through bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagement, which consequently ensured Kenya’s share of regional trade rose from Sh226,480.6 billion in 2022 to Sh305,875.3 billion in 2023.
The former CS further stated that the Ministry will continue to cherish on the initiatives implemented during her tenure, including the Resilience Investment Impact Measurement System, Desert Safari Circuits, and Pastoral Tourism Circuits, designed to preserve and capitalise on the unique natural and cultural heritage of our ASALs regions.
Malonza further said she had no doubt that under the incoming Cabinet Secretary’s leadership, the ministry will continue to thrive and achieve even greater milestones.
The journey ahead will require dedication, resilience, and collaboration, she added, while encouraging all stakeholders to offer their full support to the new leadership.
In attendance was the ASALs and Regional Development PS Kello Harsama and his East African Community counterpart Abdi Dubat, among other senior officials at the Ministry.
By Ian Chepkuto
