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Kenya is boosting its collaboration with the United Kingdom in rolling out programmes to develop and beef up security in the northern region.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua yesterday said the government is eager to stimulate development in the region saying its potential is immense to the nation’s economy.

Speaking when he hosted British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott at Harambee House Annex, Gachagua said the North-Eastern region is endowed with vast and arable land that needs to be exploited.

“A secure and stable Northern Kenya is the best thing for this country,” the DP said.

He said the government will invest in the region to ensure better roads, increased electricity connectivity and build more dams.

Gachagua said peace and stability are key for the realization of development programmes the government has earmarked for the region.

The UK is working with Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia on a cross-border peace project that seeks to enhance stability in the region.

Marriot said the UK is focused on supporting the government’s efforts to ensure sustainable peace.

“It is our obligation to work with the government and support efforts to enhance long lasting peace in the region. This project is critical in boosting ongoing peace efforts,” Marriot said.

The Borderlands peace project focuses on strengthening the effectiveness of responses to insecurity along the border, supporting local conflict resolution and management structures and building individual and community resilience to the influence of violent extremist actors.

Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan, who was present in the meeting, said the county is enjoying peace because of efforts by various actors at county, national and international level.