British High Commissioner Neil Wigan recently visited Wajir County, underscoring the UK’s dedication to fostering strong partnerships and supporting regional development in Kenya.
This visit, held on 22-23 August 2024, marked the High Commissioner’s first trip to the county, where he engaged with local leaders and communities to discuss the impact of UK initiatives.
Strengthening UK-Kenya Relations in Wajir
During his visit, the High Commissioner met with Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo to reinforce the UK’s commitment to regional stability, security, and women’s empowerment.
A important highlight of these discussions was the introduction of the INSPIRED programme, a flagship education initiative designed to provide quality education to 100,000 children in Wajir and Mandera Counties over the next three years.
Furthermore, the programme reflects the UK’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Kenya’s future generations have access to essential educational opportunities.
Neil Wigan stated,
“Travelling outside of the capital, I am always struck by the strength of the UK’s partnership with Kenya’s counties and their residents.”
Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls
In addition to education, the High Commissioner’s visit focused on tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the region. At Wajir County Central Police Station, Wigan reviewed the progress of UK-funded gender desks, which have significantly improved the reporting and handling of VAWG cases.
These gender desks, located at Wajir Central, Giriftu, Habaswein, and Bute police stations, provide a safe environment for victims to report incidents and seek help. As a result, reporting rates have increased by 57%, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness.
The UK’s REINVENT programme, which funds these gender desks, also supports the Wajir Women Council.
The Council has played a vital role in ensuring that women’s voices are heard at the political and leadership levels within the county, contributing to peacebuilding efforts and transforming how cases of VAWG are managed.
Supporting Local Communities Through Cash Assistance
The visit also included a meeting with beneficiaries of the UK-Kenya cash transfer programme, facilitated under the Hunger Safety Net Programme.
Residents shared how the cash grants have enabled them to establish businesses, create community loan schemes, and support their families, thereby contributing to local economic stability.
A central part of the High Commissioner’s discussions was the Borderlands programme, which is dedicated to education and skills development for women entrepreneurs.
This initiative not only empowers women but also fosters trust-building and participation in peace efforts across the region.
UK Initiatives in Wajir County
Programme |
Focus Area |
Impact |
|---|---|---|
| INSPIRED Programme | Education | Quality education for 100,000 children |
| REINVENT Programme | Gender desks, Women’s Council | 57% increase in VAWG case reporting |
| Borderlands Programme | Skills development, Peacebuilding | Empowering women entrepreneurs |
In Summary
The High Commissioner’s visit to Wajir County is a testament to the UK’s enduring partnership with Kenya, focusing on key areas such as education, women’s empowerment, and regional peace and security.
By launching new initiatives and reinforcing existing ones, the UK is making a tangible impact on the lives of Wajir County residents, ensuring that the partnership continues to grow and deliver meaningful results.
Sources: THX News, EVAC, Save the Children & British High Commission Nairobi.
