Kenya’s neglected northern peripheries 

The economic boom in Kenya’s major urban areas has not extended to the northern parts of the country, which remain neglected backwaters. Germany’s unification experience offers important lessons for addressing these disparities.   

Kenya’s rapid urban development, particularly in cities such as Nairobi, reflects a narrative of economic transformation. Skyscrapers now dominate the city’s skyline, and its emergence as a technology hub has earned it the moniker “Silicon Savannah”. This growth has led to the expansion of the middle class, a flourishing entrepreneurial culture, and a substantial influx of foreign investment. However, beneath the surface of this success lies a significant economic divide. Marginalised regions, especially in northern Kenya, remain economically isolated, underdeveloped, and frequently overlooked in national development plans.  

The situation in north-eastern Kenya, encompassing counties such as Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, and Isiolo, starkly illustrates this inequality. Despite Kenya having gained independence more than 60 years ago, these regions continue to lag in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The disparity between these marginalised counties and urban centres like Nairobi is not merely geographic but symbolises Kenya’s failure to achieve inclusive development.  

A report prepared by the World Bank and made public last August found that poverty levels in the northeast were at 70%, 12% higher than the national average; electricity access languished at 7% and only 45% of households have access to safe water supplies. “Kenya’s strong economic performance”, the report said, “needs to translate into shared prosperity and reduced poverty across the country.”  

The marginalisation of the northern region dates back to the colonial era, when a combination of a challenging terrain and resistance from local elites to British rule led to its economic neglect. This remained the case as it was integrated into Kenya in the post-colonial era, especially in Somali-dominated regions where locals were suspected of having secessionist ambitions.   

 The marginalisation of the northern region dates back to the colonial era, when a combination of a challenging terrain and resistance from local elites to British rule led to its economic neglect.  

Today the scenario is reminiscent of another country that once grappled with similar regional disparities; Germany, following reunification in 1990. For decades, East Germany languished in economic stagnation, isolated from the dynamic growth experienced in its western sister state. However, through a combination of targeted investments, infrastructure development, and political reforms, East Germany has, in many respects, closed the huge gap. By 2020, the government announced that it was no longer allocating funds to the east on the basis of the cold war divide, but according to need. As Kenya seeks to address its own regional disparities, the German experience offers valuable lessons.  

When Germany reunified in 1990, the gulf between East and West was profound. East Germany had endured decades of economic stagnation under communist rule, whereas West Germany had prospered as a mixed by broadly capitalist economy. To bridge this divide, the German government embarked on a massive, multi-decade effort to elevate the East to a level comparable with the West.  

Central to this effort was the Solidarity Pact—an extensive programme that channelled billions of euros into East Germany for infrastructure development, industrial modernisation, and social welfare. Investments in roads, railways, and telecommunications transformed the region’s physical landscape, integrating it with the broader European economy. In addition, reforms in governance and education, along with social safety nets, helped the population adapt to the new economic realities.  

Although this initiative required substantial financial resources and years of commitment, it ultimately yielded results. Today, while the five eastern states’ economic performance is not entirely on par with the west’s 11, it has vastly improved. The unemployment rate has declined, living standards have risen, and the region now makes a significant contribution to the national economy.  

For Kenya, the parallels are compelling. Just as East Germany required sustained investment to catch up with former West Germany, marginalised regions such as north-eastern Kenya need a concerted, long-term commitment to bridge the economic divide.  

The Kenyan government has made efforts to address regional inequality, particularly through devolution, introduced under the 2010 Constitution. The aim was to empower local governments by granting them greater control over development and resources. However, while devolution has provided counties with more autonomy, its impact has been mixed, especially in the northern regions. In many ways, devolution has reproduced the ills at the national level on the local level; “the predominance of ethnic politics, corruption and lack of resources.”  

 However, while devolution has provided counties with more autonomy, its impact has been mixed, especially in the northern regions. In many ways, devolution has reproduced the ills at the national level on the local level; “the predominance of ethnic politics, corruption and lack of resources.”  

A significant portion of the national budget—approximately 85% of shared revenue—remains concentrated in urban centres and more developed regions. This leaves counties such as Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera with insufficient resources to achieve the level of development needed to address decades of neglect. Furthermore, local leadership in these areas often lacks the capacity or efficiency to manage the resources they do receive effectively. Corruption, governance challenges, and inadequate infrastructure further exacerbate the situation.  

Infrastructure is one of the primary challenges. North-eastern Kenya has some of the worst road networks in the country. The absence of proper roads, bridges, and reliable communication networks isolates communities from the rest of the nation. This isolation impedes trade, restricts access to essential services such as education and healthcare, and stifles local businesses.  

Insecurity is another major obstacle. The region’s proximity to the Somali border has made it vulnerable to militant groups like al-Shabaab. Frequent attacks have not only resulted in loss of life but have also deterred investment. Companies are reluctant to establish a presence in areas where security is a constant concern, leaving local populations trapped in a spiral of underdevelopment.  

Climate change further complicates the situation. North-eastern Kenya is predominantly arid or semi-arid, and the increasing frequency of droughts devastates the pastoralist communities that rely on livestock for their livelihoods. Without adequate support systems or climate-resilient development strategies, the region’s vulnerability continues to grow.  

 North-eastern Kenya is predominantly arid or semi-arid, and the increasing frequency of droughts devastates the pastoralist communities that rely on livestock for their livelihoods.  

In many respects, it faces a perfect storm of challenges: insecurity leads to a lack of investment in business and infrastructure, which is further compounded by climate vulnerabilities, perpetuating the cycle of underdevelopment.   

Kenya can draw valuable lessons from Germany’s reunification experience in addressing its own regional inequalities.   

Germany’s success in revitalising East Germany was heavily reliant on investment in infrastructure. Kenya must adopt a similar strategy. Improved roads, railways, and digital connectivity are essential for unlocking economic potential in marginalised areas. Integrating north-eastern Kenya with the rest of the country and ensuring reliable access to markets and services would not only boost local economies but also encourage investment.  

A comprehensive infrastructure development plan, supported by both national and international partners, could transform north-eastern Kenya into an economic hub. Just as Germany invested heavily in its eastern regions, Kenya must prioritise long-term infrastructure projects in the north.  

Germany’s reunification also involved political reforms that ensured the newly united country functioned as a cohesive whole. In Kenya, political inclusion remains a significant issue, with many marginalised regions feeling neglected by the national government. Strengthening political representation for these areas and ensuring their voices are included in national development strategies is crucial.  

Moreover, governance reforms must be paired with greater accountability in the use of funds at both the national and county levels. Transparency in the allocation and utilisation of resources can help prevent wastage and ensure development efforts truly benefit local communities.  

  Transparency in the allocation and utilisation of resources can help prevent wastage and ensure development efforts truly benefit local communities.  

Education and skills training were central to Germany’s success in bringing East Germany up to par with the West. Kenya must also invest in human capital to transform its marginalised regions. This includes improving access to quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programmes in north-eastern Kenya. With better education and skills, the local population can seize new economic opportunities, reducing reliance on government assistance and fostering self-sufficiency.  

Just as Germany helped East Germany transition into a stable and productive region, Kenya must prioritise security and climate resilience in its development efforts. A robust national security strategy that collaborates with local leadership and international partners will be essential to stabilising the region. Simultaneously, climate change mitigation strategies, such as irrigation projects and sustainable agriculture programmes, can help protect livelihoods and ensure the region is not further left behind.   

Kenya’s economic future depends on its ability to bridge the gap between thriving urban centres and marginalised regions. The development of north-eastern Kenya is not just a matter of equity; it is vital for national survival. If Kenya is to achieve its Vision 2030 goals and attain middle-income status, it must bring all its citizens along on the journey to prosperity.  

With the right policies, investments, and political will, Kenya can also chart a new course for its marginalised regions—one of growth, resilience, and opportunity for all.