Principal Secretary for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, Kello Harsama, has called for pastoralist communities to take a central role in shaping Africa’s climate response, food systems, and sustainable development pathways.
Speaking during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026 Preparatory Meeting held at the CBK Institute of Monetary Studies, PS Harsama underscored the importance of elevating indigenous pastoral voices in continental and global policy discussions.
“I addressed the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026 Preparatory Meeting at the CBK Institute of Monetary Studies, Nairobi, under the theme ‘Building a Common African Indigenous Pastoral Agenda,’” he said.
PS Harsama noted that the engagement resonated with him both professionally and personally, drawing from his own background.
“As the Principal Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development, and as a pastoralist child, this engagement was both official and deeply personal. It reaffirmed my belief that pastoralist communities must be central to Africa’s climate response, food systems, and sustainable development agenda,” he said.
The meeting brought together senior government officials, pastoralist leaders, elders, women and youth representatives, as well as regional and international partners.
Among those present was Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya, alongside colleagues from government and development institutions.
PS Harsama also praised civil society leadership supporting pastoralist rights across the continent.
“I commend IMPACT Kenya and its CEO, Mr. Ole Mali Kaunga, for their consistent leadership and advocacy in advancing the rights, resilience, and recognition of pastoralist communities across Africa,” he said, referencing the work of IMPACT Kenya.
Looking ahead to IYRP 2026, PS Harsama reaffirmed the government’s policy direction, saying, “As we prepare for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, Kenya remains committed to climate resilience sustainable rangeland management, strengthening indigenous knowledge systems, and inclusive economic growth across ASALs regions.”
The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 is expected to provide a global platform to highlight the contribution of pastoralist communities to food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience, while advancing policies that safeguard their livelihoods and cultures across Africa and beyond.