EU sets up digital village for pastoralists

By MACHARIA KAMAU

The European Union has set up an Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) centre in Merti, Isiolo District to empower pastoral communities.

They will have capacity to collect information and share knowledge on disaster preparedness. The centre will also impart skills to the people.

The Merti Maarifa centre located 240 kilometres from Isiolo town cost over Sh2.5 million and was funded by the EU through the Drought Management Initiative (DMI), a project of the EU that supports drought management activities of the arid lands resource management in the Ministry of Development of Northern Kenya and other arid areas.

The project was implemented in partnership with the Arid lands Information Network, Merti Intergrated Development Programme and Rangeland Users Association.

The resource centre helps pastoralists to acquire knowledge on alternative means of livelihoods and will lead to the development of an online marketing portal that will allow pastoral community to export livestock.

The centre will also act as research hub for scholars from various institutions. Scientists have opportunities to validate indigenous knowledge while the centre will also offer opportunities for schools on ICT issues.

According to DMI dispatch, the centre will contributing to the achievement of the millennium development goals by enhancing partnership, community development and basic education opportunities.

Disaster management

Commissioning the ICT project, the Head of EU delegation to Kenya Eric Van der Linden said the digital village will enable communities in the semi arid region develop better drought coping mechanisms against impending disasters through access to early warning information from the internet.

Mr Van der Linden said the Union will continue funding drought management initiatives especially in areas where it is critical to finding out solutions to ending such disasters. He lauded DMI for the role it is playing in disaster mitigation measures in northern Kenya which has prevented massive human and livestock suffering.

The centre is equipped with five laptops, film editing and publications facilities, colour printers, 10 ipods, two still digital cameras, a camcorder, an overhead projector, one television set, one DVD video and VSAT internet connectivity among others.

The Information and Communication PS Dr Bitange Ndemo said the centre will not only give the pastoral communities access to the Internet but also empower them in starting income generating activities.