President William Ruto has said his administration is actively addressing six decades of neglect in Northern Kenya through accelerated infrastructure development and targeted government programmes aimed at transforming the region’s economic and social landscape.
Speaking during the Mandera County Women Empowerment Programme at Mandera Stadium, the President said the government has embarked on a wide-ranging development agenda focused on energy, transport, agriculture and education to integrate the region more fully into the national economy.
“We are addressing 60 years of neglect of Northern Kenya by accelerating critical infrastructure and initiating government programmes,” Ruto said.
He highlighted ongoing energy projects, noting that the government is installing new power generators across the region, including nine in Mandera County, to improve electricity supply and ensure stability in power distribution.
“We have embarked on an ambitious development programme of installing new generators, including nine in Mandera County, to keep the lights on and working with neighbouring Ethiopia to connect the region to the electricity grid,” he said.
The President added that cross-border cooperation with Ethiopia is expected to play a key role in expanding electricity access in the region, helping to spur industrial growth and improve livelihoods.
On agriculture, Ruto said the government, through the National Infrastructure Fund, is prioritising large-scale irrigation projects in Northern Kenya, citing the region’s vast land resources and fertile soils.
“Through the National Infrastructure Fund, Northern Kenya will become the largest target of investments in large-scale irrigation for food production because the region has expansive land and good soils,” he said.
He noted that irrigation-led agriculture is expected to enhance food security, create jobs, and reduce reliance on food imports in the long term.
Infrastructure development remains another key pillar of the government’s plan. The President pointed to ongoing road and airport projects aimed at improving connectivity and opening up the region for trade and investment.
“At the same time, the region needs massive infrastructure development in roads and airports, including the 750km Isiolo–Mandera road that is already under construction,” he said.
The road project is expected to significantly improve transport links across Northern Kenya and strengthen trade corridors with neighbouring countries, including Ethiopia and Somalia.
Education was also highlighted as a critical area of focus, with the President announcing affirmative action measures to address staffing gaps in schools across the region.
“To support education, we are undertaking affirmative action in the region by employing 1,800 local teachers next month, strengthening stability and continuity in learning,” Ruto said.
The initiative is aimed at improving teacher availability, reducing disruptions in learning, and enhancing educational outcomes in historically underserved areas.
The remarks come amid increased government investment in Northern Kenya, with a focus on integrating the region into national development plans and addressing historical inequalities in access to infrastructure and services.
Ruto’s visit to Mandera also included engagements with women’s groups, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive economic empowerment and regional equity in development.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google