The document is Progress Report No. 44 for the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project (EARTTDFP) and the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), covering activities from October to December 2022.

In response to these systemic barriers, FCDC proposed a collaborative initiative with USAID Nawiri to enhance nutrition outcomes across its member counties. Leveraging its strategic position and influence among national and county-level stakeholders, FCDC aims to catalyze increased investment in evidence-based nutrition programs. The key objectives include strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing institutional capacities, improving information systems for informed decision-making, and fostering enhanced coordination among stakeholders in ASAL regions.

Proposed areas of collaboration include advocating for an Animal Health Bill in Samburu and Turkana Counties to promote livestock health, which is vital for economic stability and food security. Additionally, the mobilization of Turkana and Samburu County Assemblies to advocate for nutrition-sensitive policies and budget allocations is crucial. FCDC also plans to establish an organization-wide action plan to address capacity gaps identified in its organizational capacity assessment, facilitating cross-sectoral collaboration.

Further initiatives include advocating for the passage of gender bills and gender-responsive budgeting in collaboration with county governments and supporting Samburu County in developing policies to combat harmful practices affecting children’s well-being. Through these targeted initiatives, FCDC and USAID Nawiri aim to foster sustainable improvements in nutrition outcomes, promoting resilience and well-being among vulnerable populations in Kenya’s ASAL regions. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of integrated, multi-sectoral approaches in effectively tackling persistent acute malnutrition.

PURPOSE

1: ADVOCATING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PASSAGE OF THE SAMBURU ANIMAL HEALTH BILL-A STEP TOWARDS NUTRITIONAL RESILIENCE

In line with the strategic goals of USAID Nawiri and FCDC’s collaboration, one of our key objectives is to advocate for the passage of the Samburu Animal Health Bill. This legislative initiative draws from the success of similar efforts in Turkana County, with support from USAID Nawiri, the county secured KES 23 million in government funding for Community Disease Reporters. This serves as a model for Samburu’s developmental path.

The importance of the Animal Health Bill cannot be overstated, particularly in addressing persistent acute malnutrition. By focusing on livestock health, this legislation directly contributes to our shared goal of reducing malnutrition rates. Healthy livestock sustain growing populations and drive economic growth, providing a viable route out of poverty for many communities. It’s crucial to understand that animal diseases significantly reduce livestock productivity, impacting household incomes and purchasing power.

To support this effort, FCDC, in collaboration with Mercy Corps, carried out targeted activities essential to advancing Purpose 1 of the USAID Nawiri / FCDC work plan, which focuses on the development and passage of the Samburu Animal Health Bill.

Support the Development of the Samburu Animal Health Bill and Review of the Samburu Livestock Policy 2015.

FCDC, in partnership with Mercy Corps and USAID Nawiri, organized a comprehensive four-day retreat at the Eagle Palace Hotel in Nakuru from the 8^th to the 12^th of July 2024. The primary objectives of the retreat were to meticulously review the Samburu livestock policy from 2015 and collaboratively develop the Animal Health Bill. The workshop was attended by a diverse team of 32 members representing various sectors, drawn from government agencies and development partners, who make up the Samburu technical working group for the Development of the Animal Health Bill and review of the livestock policy. The gathering provided a platform for in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and the formulation of strategies aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities surrounding livestock policy and animal health legislation in Samburu County

During the discussion, the following resolutions and recommendations have been proposed to address various challenges:

1. Separate Policies and Legislation: To facilitate the development of the Animal Health Bill, the Technical Working Group recommended creating separate livestock and veterinary policies. This will result in three pieces of legislation: a reviewed livestock policy, a veterinary policy, and the Animal Health Bill.
2. Veterinary Policy Issues:

• Funding Gaps: Address funding shortfalls by imposing realistic levies and taxes on animals and animal products, and by embracing public-private partnerships. Have a well-crafted provision for subsidies, especially on animal feeds and drugs
• Community Collaboration: Work with local communities to identify suitable public lands for veterinary infrastructure.
• Vaccine Coverage: Ensure optimal animal vaccine coverage by among others developing framework agreements with prequalified suppliers to streamline procurement processes, utilizing direct government-to-government procurement, or entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute (KEVEVAPI).
• Stock Movement Management: Designate holding grounds to manage livestock movement and strictly enforce permit checks at originating stations and destinations. Have a well-thought-out plan for animal welfare.

3. The draft documents are to be further fine-tuned under the leadership of the County Attorney and the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services based on a road map that has been developed and is hereby annexed. The road map to capture the budgeted cost and timeline for carrying out the remaining activities.

Facilitation support for community engagement through public participation in three sub-counties in Samburu County.

On September 24^th, 2024, the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), in partnership with USAID Nawiri, hosted a significant community engagement event aimed at fostering public participation in Samburu County. This initiative focused on gathering crucial feedback for the effective implementation of two key policies: the Livestock Development Policy (2015) and the Samburu County Veterinary Policy (2024). The event was held at the administrative headquarters of three major sub-counties: Maralal, Baragoi, and Wamba, with participants from 15 wards across Samburu County. These wards were drawn from Samburu North Sub-County (4 wards), Samburu East Sub-County (4 wards), and Samburu Central Region (7 wards), including the notable Baawa and Angata Nanyukie wards in Samburu North. The primary expected outcome of the public participation event was to gather input and comments on the Livestock Development Policy 2015 and the Samburu County Veterinary Policy (2024) for implementation.

The director highlighted the significance of animal resources to the county’s economy and addressed gaps in veterinary service provision. Community inputs on the two policies involved the members being grouped into three groups to review the Livestock and Veterinary policies and provide feedback and input. Each group was provided with a template for filling in their comments and had access to a laptop. Each group selected a secretary and a person to present their comments leading to some key recommendations from the group presentation such as;

• Insist on a quick response to disease outbreaks and the employment of more animal health service providers.
• Highlight the need for ready markets for skin and hides.
• Emphasize the good use of the right and recommended doses for effective control of drugs.
• Work on improving breeds that are resistant to diseases.
• Promote the use of animal feeds and storage facilities for pastures.
• Support capacity building on livestock and livestock product marketing.
• Improve infrastructure to provide security for traders during market days.
• Implement livestock insurance and ensure timely compensation of pastoralists in times of human-wildlife conflicts.
• Hold insurance agencies accountable to build more trust between the agencies and the pastoralists.
• Enhance animal health vaccination coverage to attain 70% and carry out regular and timely vaccinations.

Way forward –

• Participants to sensitize the community on the policies discussed to create more awareness among the populace across all wards.
• The Technical Working Group to incorporate stakeholders’ comments in the proscribed format/questionnaire and share them as soon as possible.

PURPOSE

2: ENGAGEMENT OF COUNTY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES ON POLICY AND BUDGET ADVOCACY.

This intervention aims to mobilize the County Assemblies of Turkana and Samburu to champion policy and budget advocacy for nutrition, with a specific focus on sectors identified for support within this project. FCDC is committed to collaborating with the County Assembly Liaison Committees and Women’s Caucuses to influence the enactment and expeditious implementation of decisions related to project-specific bills and acts, as well as the allocation of resources. Through capacity building, targeted advocacy, and sustained involvement, this initiative additionally seeks to amplify the voices of women leaders, catalyzing substantial changes in gender-related policies and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Technical and Training Support for Turkana County Assembly Liaison Committee and Women Caucus.

On the 12^th to the 15^th of August 2024, Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) and USAID Nawiri, facilitated a workshop for the Turkana County Assembly liaison committee and the women Caucus at Arid Summit Hotel in Lokichar, Turkana County.  The meeting brought together the Liaison and Women caucus Committees, the senate and budget office facilitation officers, UN Women, FCDC, and USAID Nawiri.

The workshop began with welcoming remarks and the official commencement. The session was chaired by Mr. John Komol, Deputy Clerk of the County Assembly of Turkana. The overall objective was to train the Turkana County Assembly Liaison Committee and Women Caucus on their mandate with a focus on Policy and Budget Advocacy especially on passing all upcoming Nawiri Supported Bills and supporting their implementation including Gender Mainstreaming and Gender-sensitive Budgeting.

The expected outcome was to Train the County Assembly Liaison and Women Caucus to be more informed and responsive to issues affecting nutrition and specifically women in the County.

The following resolutions and recommendations were proposed to address various challenges.

1. To improve public participation, the County Assembly should present budget estimates in clear and accessible language, sign post-approval budget documents and publish them on county websites, provide early notification of public participation exercises, and ensure a transparent and fair process that takes into account public input.
2. The Assembly should use various engagement strategies, such as memoranda, stakeholder forums, and media, to gather public input. Collaboration with local administration and hosting social events can also increase community engagement and stakeholder involvement during budget scrutiny.
3. To improve budget implementation and monitoring, the County Assembly should evaluate comprehensive budget implementation reports on a regular basis, as well as quarterly and annual reports. It should also adhere to fiscal principles when considering supplementary budgets, ensuring alignment with the initially approved budget or seeking public participation if necessary; and the Committees should be diligent in monitoring projects, beginning with updates from Honorable Members on ward-level projects.
4. The Liaison Committee should optimize resource mobilization by advising on cross-cutting mandates, exploring resource allocation models such as equal distribution, emergency reserves, or proportional allocations based on committee needs, and maintaining regular communication with the Executive and timely responses to Assembly queries to improve accountability.
5. To enhance Members’ capacity, the County Assembly should organize training on the budget-making process, scrutiny of budget documents, and financial management systems tools such as IFMIS.
6. To improve Legislative business and oversight, Committees should review unlegislated mandates and pending business from previous sessions, create work plans to guide funding allocations and ensure timely reporting, and collaborate with relevant County departments and bodies for legislative suggestions and support.
7. To promote fiscal responsibility in budgeting, the County Assembly should set limits and require explanations from the Executive. Additionally, all budget documents should be generated from IFMIS to maintain accuracy and transparency. The Assembly should also support the Senate’s efforts to revoke restrictive budgetary limits to increase its influence over budget adjustments.
8. Create a comprehensive strategic plan to effectively guide the Women’s Caucus in achieving its objectives and ensuring coordinated efforts.
9. Set up regular follow-up meetings with the Liaison Committee and leadership to maintain ongoing communication, monitor progress, and address any emerging issues.
10. Organize additional training sessions focusing on gender mainstreaming to further enhance the knowledge and skills of Caucus members.
11. Seek and secure support from partner organizations such as UN Women, KEWOPA, KEWOSA, and USAID Nawiri to bolster initiatives and projects.
12. Draft and submit a petition to the Senate addressing critical issues such as boundary reviews and trade barriers, with specific emphasis on challenges related to the South Sudan border.
13. Undertake benchmarking activities with the Senate on various topics, including security and trade, to align with best practices and strengthen policy development.

OTHER UNDERTAKEN ACTIVITIES.

Sensitization and support roll-out of Ward Development Planning Committee in Suguta Marmar and Loosuk wards of Samburu Central Sub-County.

On the 22^nd to 24^th of July 2024, The Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) in partnership with Mercy Corps and USAID Nawiri, undertook a community engagement to elevate the livelihoods of the communities within Samburu County. This activity was pegged on the partnership that the USAID Nawiri Project has undertaken, especially with a focus on ensuring that communities and their structures are empowered about the target beneficiaries that the independent organizations work with, along with other initiatives. The activity was executed in Samburu County within Loosuk and Suguta Marmar Wards.

The activity referred to the fact that limited opportunities for public participation in the county government planning and process have led to poor accountability on the use of resources, and the government faces few checks on its choices in terms of the development of policies, plans, and spending on key community needs, delivery of services that may support better nutrition outcomes (USAID Nawiri’s PEA Study 2019). It took cognizance of the need to initiate a transformative, community-driven engagement in Samburu County.

This event brought together local leaders, including Ward and Village Administrators, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), Chiefs, the County Attorney, Peinan Loronyokie, and the County Secretary, Wilson Lesuuda. The objective was to co-create solutions to enhance pastoralists’ livelihoods in Loosuk and Suguta Marmar Wards. Through this collaborative effort, the forum sought to empower local communities to identify and address key development areas, fostering sustainable growth and resilience. The involvement of regional leaders was crucial in ensuring that the strategies developed were well-aligned with the unique needs and priorities of the communities.

The following resolutions and recommendations were proposed to address various challenges:

• Progressive consultative engagement amongst partners to seamlessly engage the various Committees.
• Retain the parallel structures within the communities to ensure integration of interventions.
• Redress towards having a community-led platform in the Wards to facilitate dissemination of information while creating synergies, linkages, and leverages amongst committees.
• Scrutinise the legal and policy frameworks to firm the space of models that create committees as it may provide linkages to County Government sectors.

OTHER UNDERTAKEN ACTIVITIES.

Sensitization and support roll-out of Ward Development Planning Committee in Suguta Marmar and Loosuk wards of Samburu Central Sub-County.

On the 22^nd to 24^th of July 2024, The Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) in partnership with Mercy Corps and USAID Nawiri, undertook a community engagement to elevate the livelihoods of the communities within Samburu County. This activity was pegged on the partnership that the USAID Nawiri Project has undertaken, especially with a focus on ensuring that communities and their structures are empowered about the target beneficiaries that the independent organizations work with, along with other initiatives. The activity was executed in Samburu County within Loosuk and Suguta Marmar Wards.

The activity referred to the fact that limited opportunities for public participation in the county government planning and process have led to poor accountability on the use of resources, and the government faces few checks on its choices in terms of the development of policies, plans, and spending on key community needs, delivery of services that may support better nutrition outcomes (USAID Nawiri’s PEA Study 2019). It took cognizance of the need to initiate a transformative, community-driven engagement in Samburu County.

This event brought together local leaders, including Ward and Village Administrators, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), Chiefs, the County Attorney, Peinan Loronyokie, and the County Secretary, Wilson Lesuuda. The objective was to co-create solutions to enhance pastoralists’ livelihoods in Loosuk and Suguta Marmar Wards. Through this collaborative effort, the forum sought to empower local communities to identify and address key development areas, fostering sustainable growth and resilience. The involvement of regional leaders was crucial in ensuring that the strategies developed were well-aligned with the unique needs and priorities of the communities.

The following resolutions and recommendations were proposed to address various challenges:

• Progressive consultative engagement amongst partners to seamlessly engage the various Committees.
• Retain the parallel structures within the communities to ensure integration of interventions.
• Redress towards having a community-led platform in the Wards to facilitate dissemination of information while creating synergies, linkages, and leverages amongst committees.
• Scrutinise the legal and policy frameworks to firm the space of models that create committees as it may provide linkages to County Government sectors.

ACCRUED ACTIVITIES.

Some of the activities that were scheduled for this quarter and are planned to be carried out in year 6 are as follows:

1. Development & Implementation of an Action Plan to Address the OCA Report.
2. Development of Samburu Child Protection Policies & Guidelines.
3. Advocacy for Gender-Responsive Budgeting.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the strenuous efforts outlined in this report reflect significant strides toward advancing animal health, policy advocacy, and community engagement in Samburu and Turkana Counties. The development and passage of the Samburu Animal Health Bill serve as a basis for enhancing nutritional resilience through improved livestock health. Meanwhile, the focus on policy and budget advocacy, particularly with County Assemblies and Women Caucuses, emphasizes a gender-sensitive approach to resource allocation and legislative development. Through continued collaboration among various stakeholders, including FCDC, USAID Nawiri, Mercy Corps, and regional leaders, these initiatives are creating a foundation for sustainable growth, empowerment, and resilience in frontier communities. The ongoing activities planned for year 6, particularly in addressing gaps in gender responsiveness, child protection, and capacity building, will further reinforce these efforts, ensuring a brighter future for the targeted regions.

In year 6 of the USAID Nawiri program, FCDC received approval to proceed with our initiatives. Following this, FCDC developed a comprehensive proposal and budget, which was submitted to USAID Nawiri for review and consideration. We are currently expecting feedback from Mr. Edwin Mbaya, the Systems Strengthening and Institutionalization Lead, whose insights and guidance will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of our efforts