Northern Kenya has the potential to become a major hub for investment and development, but the region’s growth is being held back by inadequate infrastructure, Deputy Governor of Wajir Ahmed Muhumed Abdi has said. He stressed that unlocking the area’s economic potential depends on the national government delivering key projects in roads, electricity, and digital connectivity.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Wednesday, Abdi challenged the perception that northern Kenya lacks opportunities for investors. He said the main obstacle is the absence of basic enabling infrastructure rather than a shortage of investment-ready projects.
“Northern Kenya is an expert for development and investment. It just requires a needful enabling environment to be done by the powers that be,” he said.
Abdi explained that county governments cannot independently fund large-scale infrastructure, especially trunk roads, which are under the national government’s jurisdiction. According to him, the region’s future growth hinges on three essential elements: reliable roads, sufficient electricity, and basic ICT networks.
“If we have these three enabling factors—roads, power availability and ICT infrastructure—I can tell you for a fact, that is the region to watch going forward,” he said.
He noted that air travel to northern Kenya has improved, pointing to regular flights that now link the region to Nairobi, reducing travel time dramatically. “I now have a flight, and by 10 or 10:30 I’ll be there. It is much faster than driving from Nairobi to Naivasha,” he said.
Abdi also highlighted the region’s international airport, which has been operational since the 1970s before being converted to mixed use during President Kibaki’s tenure. He said many Kenyans are unaware of its existence.
Despite improved accessibility, he warned that this alone will not attract investment. “What is inhibiting investment is not lack of trust in the community or lack of capital. It is enabling infrastructure that is either rudimentary or absolutely lacking,” he said.
He added that ongoing power shortages and weak digital networks make it difficult for businesses to operate efficiently. “Business is for profit. You don’t just walk into a place where there is shortage of power and low ICT connectivity,” he said.
Abdi also urged northern Kenya to leverage its growing political influence to secure fair budget allocations, noting that political considerations have historically shaped funding. “The region is now punching above its weight politically,” he said. He expressed optimism that the area’s enhanced political standing will translate into concrete development projects.
“We are being felt as a region now, and it has just started. Things will get warmer going forward,” he said, predicting a brighter development future for northern Kenya in upcoming administrations.
