1. A TRIINK workshop to review the preliminary report prepared by the four consultants.

On September 10^th and 11^th, 2024, a TRIINK workshop was held with two main objectives: first, to consult with National and County-level stakeholders to ensure alignment with ground realities, and second, to validate the preliminary reports prepared by the consultants. Attendees included the Technical Working Group members and three key county planning officials from five counties; Wajir, Isiolo, Lamu, West Pokot, and Marsabit.

2. Joint MDA Meeting to Design a Comprehensive MERL Framework for Monitoring Development in Northern Kenya

On October 2^nd, 2024, a gathering was convened to create a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL) framework, along with essential data collection tools. Invitations were extended to several key institutions, including the KSOG, the KNBS, the State Dept of ASAL, the Ministry of Economic Planning, the Equalization Fund Board, and the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA). The primary goal of this initiative was to develop a standardized approach for monitoring and evaluating development progress in Northern Kenya, with a particular emphasis on the pilot counties of Isiolo and West Pokot.

3. Equalization fund policy and legal review Report Presentation at the PPG meeting.

The Legal Analyst consultant presented the preliminary report at the PPG meeting. The presentation focused on the equalization fund and the legal framework. He highlighted the importance of closer collaboration between FCDC and PPG and the need for political support for equalization efforts in Northern Kenya.

4. Piloting of the Diagnostic tool in West Pokot and Isiolo County.

The Diagnostic Tool was piloted in West Pokot from October 14^th to 15^th, 2024, and in Isiolo County on November 14^th and 15^th, 2024. The pilot has two main objectives: (1) to develop and implement the Diagnostic Tool in two FCDC counties—Isiolo and West Pokot—enabling these counties to adapt and apply the tool across various sectors, functions, service delivery challenges, and entry points; and (2) to document the lessons learned from coordinating the pilots in these counties, with a focus on the sectors, functions, and service delivery challenges addressed. This documentation will provide data and recommendations for managing a range of issues and their complexities. The pilot is expected to generate insights that will enhance the tool and expand the technical expertise of potential trainers for future training initiatives.

5. Virtual meeting for the TRIINK Technical Working Group to review the revised preliminary reports from the four consultants.

A virtual meeting was convened for the TRIINK Technical Working Group to review the revised preliminary reports submitted by four consultants. The main objective of the meeting was to thoroughly evaluate and provide feedback on the final reports, with a specific focus on several key areas: Detailed Mapping of Diagnostic Tools and Systems, ASAL Vision 2030 Strategy and Review, Mapping of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Tools and Systems, and the Equalization Fund Status Report. This focused discussion aimed to ensure a comprehensive understanding and alignment on these critical topics.

6. A high-level breakfast meeting to present key consultancy findings and next steps for collaborative policy actions.

Invitation letters were sent to the MDA from several organizations, including KIPPRA, KSOG, PPG Leadership, NEDI, the World Bank, and the State Departments of Economic Planning and ASAL and Regional Development. These letters invited the Principal Secretaries and CEOs to attend a presentation by the consulting team. During the session, the consultants shared their findings, solicited feedback on the reports, and discussed the next steps for implementing their recommendations. This important meeting was held on November 22, 2024.