Background

The MORDA was created in 2003 with a major role of providing policy guidance, enhancing capacity building and support for RDAs. Regional development is critical to poverty reduction in the Kenyan economy.

Since 1970's the GOK has created six Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) with the mandate to plan and coordinate the implementation of rural development activities to ensure equitable resource development and promote regional socio economic development through integrated planning and management. The RDAs are: Tina and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA); Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA); Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA); Ewaso Ng'iro North Development Authority (ENNDA); Ewaso Ng'iro South Development Authority (ENSDA); and Coast Development Authority ( CDA ). The activities of these RDAs transcend beyond Government of Kenya administrative boundaries.

The ministry lays emphasis on participatory planning and project implementation with a view of creating regional balance in development. The implementation strategy adopted by the ministry and RDAs is guided by already developed strategic plans. This process will support the efforts of the National priorities as stipulated in the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation (ERSWEC), The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and the 9th National Development Plan.

The MoRDA has six Departments which are: Administration which provides general management and administration services; Finance which is responsible for effective and efficient management and delivery of finance services; Planning which is responsible for planning, formulation and analysis of the Ministry's development policies; Regional Development which offers direct supervision and coordination of RDAs; Conservation which is responsible for investments coordination in catchments management and conservation; and Internal Audit which is responsible for ensuring compliance with existing regulations, instructions and procedures in the Ministry .