The State Department for the ASALS and Regional  Development was established through Executive Order No. 1 of October 2022  following the reorganization of Government. Its precursor, the Ministry of State for the Development of Northern Kenya and Other Arid Lands, was established in 2008 in conformity with Agenda 4 of the National Accord and Reconciliation Act. The Department is a special vehicle for affirmative action, mainstreaming development issues of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALS), coordinating, implementing and fast-tracking investment for long term sustainable development.