Our coverage

The phrase Northern Kenya and other Arid Lands in the title of the Ministry refers to an area that is commonly called the ASALs (arid and semi-arid lands), and that covers 80% of the country. There is significant diversity within this large region.

 In Northern Kenya, the primary policy challenge is to reduce regional inequality and help the north catch up with the rest of the country. This inequality has its roots in the colonial period, with the creation of the Northern Frontier District. Against almost every indicator of human development  such as access to health care, education, energy, water, financial services, and justice  the region scores poorly compared with the national norm.

 The dominant production system in the ASALs is pastoralism. It is practised across the whole of Northern Kenya and in the southern rangelands (Laikipia, Narok, Kajiado). In the past it has been less well understood and supported than other forms of land use. Recent studies have shown these views to be misplaced. Many Governments, including Kenya, now recognise the contribution of pastoralism to food security, environmental stewardship, and economic growth, and are seeking to protect and promote the mobility on which it depends.

 Across the arid and semi-arid lands as a whole, the main challenge is to ensure food security in drought-prone environments that will also be affected by climate change. The Ministry will work across both arid and semi-arid districts to strengthen drought management and adaptation to climate change.

 The geographical coverage of the Ministry in tackling these three policy challenges is illustrated in the table below: