The forgotten People of Northern Kenya

Abdulkadir Gumi
August 8, 2007
The northern half of Kenya is a vast, sparsely populated desert. The dry shrub lands and rocky wasteland is home to some of Kenya’s most interesting people, such as the Borana-Oromo and Gabra-Oromo tribes. These tribes have been influenced very little by the west, and unlike the Maasai, have had very little contact with tourists as well. They live as they did years ago by herding livestock. The people as well as the awesome scenery make Northern Kenya a nice place to visit.
The current atmosphere between the tribes of Northern Kenya is very touchy, and tribal violence has become quite common. Livestock raids between some tribes have turned violent due to use of automatic weapons, and a vicious cycle of revenge killings has emerged. This is mainly a problem with tribes of Northern Kenya , but violence is also common east of lake, where bandits roam. The danger of bandits is so real that no one goes north of Samburu National Reserve without an armed escort.
Thinking about this expansive region, it is hurting to see the extent of neglect by successive regimes. Clearly no one and I mean no one has interest of developing that region. We have to put aside our difference and demand our share. I lost count how many times we have been promised that the Isiolo-Moyale road will be tarmacked. Soon it will be promised in the forth-coming by-elections. You should know that is a plain lie. Truth will only prevail if we ourselves stood together and demand for what is rightfully ours. This road is our right it’s not a privilege.
urge my Borana-Oromo people every where in the world .In all corner of the world that this is the time when genius may be found through efforts in helping and developing this community. time is opportune for us to change our face and shine the future of the next generation .Our current generation is facing many problems no previous generation ever faced just because of natural calamities that cause the problem in the region like poverty, banditry, and clan feud among others .illiteracy and luck of devastation. we have to see our current situation in our region politically and socially, our people are in hardship where they struggle to in order to survive .we are still a century and no development had happened in our region since Kenya independent and nothing seems forthcoming . we are in a real disaster of ignorance and clan feud with our neighboring clan .unlike the other Kenyans tribes we have virtually no functional infrastructures, our schools ,our roads , our hospitals , and extension service are not more than a stale reminder that of colonial time . It is to us and our priority to manage our work concerning to the situation.
Education particularly the major facts in the future development. An illiterate population makes poor and non productive society .although we are facing logical problems we have to plan to individually to combat the ignorance education is the only key to bringing changes in northern Kenya communities .truth shall never cease to exist simply because they are ignored . It is hurting to see the extent of neglect by successive regimes. I say this trying to bandage my burning injury.
finally We need to have our cultural centers, football teams which I may suggest to be (BIFTUBARI CLUB) also to establish new town at GOTU area to be Called (Nageelle waaso) .