President William Ruto has defended his government’s development programme in northern Kenya, saying the region’s current challenges cannot be blamed on his administration.
He argued that the concerns being raised over slow progress overlook what he described as a long history of neglect in the area.
Speaking during a women empowerment event in Mandera County on Saturday, Ruto questioned the timing of the criticism, noting that the development gaps did not begin during his leadership.
He maintained that his government is focused on addressing long-standing inequalities in service delivery and infrastructure across the region.
Ruto said his administration is working to correct “60 years of neglect”, adding that northern Kenya should receive the same level of attention and access to government programmes as other parts of the country.
He stressed that efforts are underway to speed up development projects aimed at improving roads, water access, education, and health services in marginalized areas.
His remarks come at a time when sections of the opposition have increased pressure on the government, raising questions about its priorities and overall performance. Critics have been vocal about what they see as uneven development and slow implementation of key projects.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also came to the defence of the President, rejecting claims that his recent remarks were insulting. Duale said the President’s comments had been misinterpreted and insisted they were a response to political attacks rather than an attempt to offend anyone.
In Mandera, Governor Adan Khalif strongly supported the President’s position, highlighting what he called a shift in government engagement with the region. He said Ruto had visited Mandera three times within eight months, describing it as an unprecedented level of attention compared to previous administrations.
Khalif also pushed back against online criticism directed at local leaders for supporting the President, saying their position reflects the broader view of the community in the North Eastern region. He contrasted the current frequency of presidential visits with past leaders, saying earlier engagements were rare and often symbolic rather than development-focused.
The leaders urged continued cooperation between national and county governments, saying sustained engagement and unity are key to transforming the social and economic conditions of the region.