Historic five-month agreement allows shared pasture, aiming to end the bloodshed that has plagued the drought-stricken region.

In the parched lands where the border between Garissa and Isiolo blurs into a dusty horizon, peace is often as scarce as water. But today, a ray of hope has emerged from the village of Eldera. Elders from the Borana and Somali communities—two groups that have been locked in a deadly cycle of conflict for generations—have signed a landmark agreement to share grazing resources.

The deal, brokered after intense negotiations led by the county security teams, comes at a critical time. A persistent drought has ravaged the region, drying up water pans and withering pasture, pushing herders to the brink of desperation. In the past, this desperation has fueled clashes that have left dozens dead and thousands of livestock stolen. This agreement attempts to rewrite that bloody script.

The Terms of the Truce

The agreement is pragmatic and time-bound. It allows herders from both communities to graze their livestock together in shared zones for the next five months. This period is designed to tide them over until the expected rains. "We have realized that fighting only leads to graves, not grass," said one elder involved in the talks. "Our cattle die from the drought, and our sons die from the bullet. It is time to share what little we have."

However, the deal comes with strict conditions. Somali herders are required to vacate specific grazing zones once the five-month period elapses. This clause addresses the Borana community's long-standing fear of permanent encroachment and territorial expansion—a key driver of the conflict.

• The Role of Administration: The negotiations were presided over by Lagdera Deputy County Commissioner Jackson Olechuta and Isiolo County Commissioner George Natembeya. They warned politicians against inciting violence for votes, noting that "peace is not a political tool."
• The Fragility of Peace: While the deal is a breakthrough, tension remains high. Previous agreements have collapsed under the pressure of cattle rustling or incitement. The security teams have pledged to monitor the shared zones closely to nip any provocations in the bud.

A Model for the North?

If this agreement holds, it could serve as a model for conflict resolution across the troubled North Eastern region. It shifts the focus from rigid borders to shared survival. For the herders of Garissa and Isiolo, the next five months will be a test of character and discipline. They have chosen to share the water; now they must prove they can share the peace.