Kenya’s former ambassador to Botswana, Mr Mohamed Muktar Shidiye. PHOTO/FILE.
By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN
Kenya’s former ambassador to Botswana and Garissa County gubernatorial aspirant, Mohamed Muktar Shidiye, has urged the people of Garissa to put aside political and clan differences and embrace unity as a foundation for meaningful socio-economic transformation.
Speaking at Paradise Hall in Nairobi during the wedding ceremony of Betra and Nasra, Mr Shidiye underscored the pressing need for residents of Garissa County to rethink their approach to development by investing in education, professional skills and shared community values.
He warned that the county risks being left behind unless deliberate efforts are made to cultivate talent, nurture local capacity, and strengthen institutions.
“Unity of purpose is not just a slogan, it is the bedrock of development. Garissa will only realise its true potential when its people come together and focus on common goals instead of narrow interests,” Mr Shidiye said, adding that divisive politics and internal wrangles have for too long slowed progress in the region.
The former envoy, who has also served as a Member of Parliament, said that Garissa County must urgently prioritise education if it is to unlock opportunities for its growing youth population.
He noted that education remains the greatest equaliser in modern societies and stressed that knowledge, technical skills, and innovation are critical for development.
“We need more professionals in every sector—teachers, engineers, doctors, lawyers and specialists across the board—if we are to build a strong and prosperous Garissa,” he said. “A county that neglects education neglects its own future.”
Mr Shidiye observed that while Garissa is endowed with vast potential, from human capital to natural resources, the absence of a well-trained and skilled workforce has hampered its progress. He said the county cannot rely indefinitely on external expertise and must instead empower its own residents to take charge of development initiatives.
He urged families to invest in the education of their children, especially girls, noting that inclusive access to quality education is the only way to bridge gender disparities and break the cycle of poverty.
“Educating both boys and girls ensures a more balanced and capable society. Development will not be achieved if half the population is left behind,” he emphasised.
Shidiye, who has been vocal on issues of regional development, said Garissa must align itself with national and global trends that reward knowledge-based economies.
He pointed to the transformative role education has played in other counties, such as Kiambu and Makueni, where deliberate investment in human capital has improved service delivery and local productivity.
Turning to the occasion that brought together family, friends and dignitaries, Mr Shidiye also spoke about the importance of the institution of marriage in strengthening the moral and cultural fabric of society.
He congratulated the newlyweds, Betra and Nasra, and advised them to serve as role models for their peers by safeguarding their marriage with integrity, patience and mutual respect.
“Marriage is not just about two individuals; it is about building families, communities and, ultimately, the nation. A strong marriage provides stability, sets an example for future generations and serves as a foundation for social progress,” he said.
He appealed to young couples in Garissa and across Kenya to treat marriage as a partnership grounded in shared values rather than fleeting material considerations. He further encouraged them to embrace dialogue, compromise and tolerance in order to overcome challenges.
Mr Shidiye’s speech drew a connection between strong families and community development, noting that stable households are better placed to raise disciplined, educated and responsible citizens.
He stressed that the progress of Garissa County will depend not only on government policies but also on the values upheld within homes and communities.
“Development is not just about roads and buildings; it is also about raising upright citizens who can contribute positively to society. Families are the first schools where values are instilled,” he remarked.
His comments struck a chord with attendees, many of whom said the call for unity, education and strong family institutions resonates with the challenges currently facing Garissa County.
Mr Shidiye, who has previously declared interest in contesting the Garissa gubernatorial seat, has built a reputation for championing education and good governance. His latest remarks are widely seen as part of a broader campaign to position himself as a unifying figure ahead of the next elections.
Garissa County has in recent years faced challenges ranging from insecurity and drought to underinvestment in critical infrastructure. Analysts argue that while the county has made strides since devolution, progress has been uneven and often undermined by political instability and limited human capacity.
By tying together themes of unity, education and family, Mr Shidiye sought to present a holistic vision for Garissa’s future. His speech echoed broader debates in Kenya about how counties in marginalised regions can accelerate development while addressing historical inequalities.
As the event concluded, attendees praised the former diplomat’s message of unity and his emphasis on education as the surest path to empowerment. Some participants said they hoped leaders in Garissa would heed his call and work collectively to address the county’s pressing challenges.
For his part, Mr Shidiye pledged to continue engaging residents both at home and in the diaspora in order to mobilise ideas, resources and partnerships that will help Garissa realise its potential.
“Garissa deserves better, and together we can make it happen. But it starts with each one of us choosing unity over division, education over ignorance, and strong values over short-term gains,” he concluded.
