The process of ensuring the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) is anchored in law has been initiated.
Already the North Rift Economic Bill which will make NOREB a legally binding entity has been drafted.
Last week, Governors, deputy Governors, County Assembly leadership as well as County Attorneys were taken through contents of the Bill.
According to NOREB interim chairman Stephen Sang, the Bill provides a framework of engagement for member counties.
“The North Rift Economic Bloc bill which is on a draft stage is aimed at giving legal status to the bloc,” the Nandi Governor said.
“The objective of the bill is therefore to provide a framework of engagement and to give effect to the cooperation agreement,” he added.
NOREB brings together eight North Rift Counties. The counties are Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Baringo, Turkana, Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet.
The bloc was formed over six years ago, but its operations have not been anchored in any laws within the devolved units.
Missing link
However, the latest move will finally make the entity recognized by laws that respective county assemblies are expected to pass.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim who attended the session last week asked MCAs to act on passing relevant laws as quickly as possible.
“We are keen to ensure that we fast track the ratification of a legal framework that will back NOREB and it is prudent for County assemblies to work with speed in tabling all the required legislations so that we can jointly begin with implementation of common projects,” Chelilim said.
Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker Phillip Muigei on his part said the bill, once passed, will solve the legal issues that were missing in the operationalization of NORED.
“The missing link to a prosperous Noreb was the missing legislative link, this bill will come in handy to solve and cater for the legislative, oversight and representation role in the Economic Bloc,” Muigei said.
Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Jeremiah Lomurkai (Turkana) and Simon Kachapin of West Pokot also attended the sessions.
Deputy Governor’s led by Yulita Cheruiyot (Nandi), Philomena Kapkory (Trans Nzoia), Prof. Grace Cheserek (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Achaule Komole (West Pokot) were also in attendance.
