By H, KNA
Her Royal Highness Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, the Duchess of Edinburgh, on Thursday visited Wajir County to engage county leaders and women peacebuilders on efforts to promote peace, security and economic resilience at the community level.
The Duchess was received by Korof Harar Deputy County Commissioner Musa Okang’o, who represented the County Commissioner, before holding talks with Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jiir at the Governor’s Office.
Governor Abdullahi said climate change remains a key driver of instability in the region, citing recurring drought and competition over scarce resources as major triggers of conflict.
“Water and pasture scarcity continue to fuel tensions among communities. Strengthening local peace structures and expanding economic empowerment programmes is critical to addressing these challenges,” said the Governor.
He welcomed support from the United Kingdom in funding community-led peacebuilding and livelihood initiatives aimed at tackling the root causes of conflict.
The Duchess later met women peacebuilders involved in the UK-supported Deris Wanaag (Good Neighbourliness) and REINVENT programmes, including members of the Wajir Peace and Development Committee.
The women highlighted their role in conflict prevention, mediation and early warning systems, while calling for greater inclusion in leadership and decision-making processes.
One peace champion noted that empowering women at the grassroots level has strengthened community dialogue and improved response to emerging security threats.
The Duchess also visited the women-led Hodhan Business Group, a beneficiary of the UK-funded Kuza Jamii programme implemented under the Hunger Safety Net Programme. She joined members during a Village Savings and Loan Association session and observed how they mobilize savings and access credit to support small enterprises.
Officials said the programme, implemented in partnership with the Government of Kenya, seeks to strengthen social protection systems and help vulnerable households transition from dependency to sustainable livelihoods.