The national and Mandera governments are working to integrate non-locals into local communities within the county.
The initiative aims to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their faith, can live and work in the area. Governor Mohammed Khalif announced that non-locals are now recognized as the seventh community in Mandera, which has six local ethnic groups.
This integration means that non-locals are included in local appointments and policy decisions. “I prefer to call them the seventh community rather than non-locals, as that term can be exclusionary. We are collaborating with them to enhance their contributions to the local economy,” he stated in an interview.
Non-locals are active in various sectors, including education in public and private schools, business, quarrying, and hospitality, as well as agriculture.
“The seventh community is becoming increasingly vibrant because Mandera is safe for everyone. You can run a business, send your child to school, and contribute to the economy,” Khalif emphasized.
He refuted claims by some non-local teachers about safety concerns in the county, explaining that many unemployed teachers come from other regions and, once employed, raise allegations of insecurity to request transfers back home. “It’s misleading to say that non-locals are targeted here,” he said.
Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Meso echoed the governor’s sentiments, asserting that Mandera is safe for all Kenyans. He acknowledged some cultural differences, mentioning concerns about behaviors such as wearing short dresses and loud celebrations, particularly in crowded areas.
Meso noted that being a teacher in Mandera can be more rewarding financially, with some positions offering salaries of up to Sh30,000 monthly while awaiting TSC absorption.
The county’s integration policy promotes diversity in local appointments, ensuring representation across task forces and key roles.
