President William Ruto has concluded his three-day tour of Northern Kenya by promising more government investment in a region he says has been left behind for many years.
The President visited several parts of Garissa and Wajir counties, where he launched and inspected major development projects worth billions of shillings. He emphasized that Northern Kenya is a vital part of the country’s future and must be fully integrated into Kenya’s economic and development agenda.
Speaking in Maalimin, Lagdera Constituency, Garissa County, President Ruto said his administration is determined to address decades of marginalization and ensure that residents of Northern Kenya enjoy equal opportunities for growth and prosperity.
“Northern Kenya is not peripheral; it is central to the development of Kenya,” the President said. “Our goal is to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of where they live, has access to quality infrastructure, education, healthcare, water, and economic opportunities.”
Expansion of Electricity Access
One of the key highlights of the President’s visit was the launch of the KSh72.2 million Maalimin Mini-Grid Project in Garissa County. The project is expected to connect more than 500 households to electricity, improving living standards and supporting local businesses.
President Ruto said the government is making significant investments to expand electricity access across Northern Kenya.
According to the President, the government is investing KSh4.1 billion to connect approximately 26,000 households in Wajir County to the national power grid. In Mandera County, KSh2.5 billion has been allocated to connect 18,600 households, while Garissa County will benefit from KSh1.6 billion aimed at connecting 8,300 homes.
The expansion of electricity infrastructure is expected to stimulate economic growth, improve security, and enhance access to digital services and education in the region.
Progress on the Isiolo-Mandera Highway
During his tour, the President inspected the ongoing construction of the 64-kilometre Tarbaj-Kotulo section of the Isiolo-Mandera Road in Wajir County.
The road forms part of the larger 750-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera Highway, one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Northern Kenya. The entire project is estimated to cost approximately KSh100 billion and is expected to significantly improve transport and trade between counties in the northern region.
President Ruto noted that improved security in the area has allowed construction work to continue with minimal disruption.
He praised security agencies for their efforts in reducing threats posed by criminal and extremist groups, saying peace and stability are essential for development.
Once completed, the highway is expected to reduce travel times, improve access to markets, and strengthen regional trade links.
Water Projects to Improve Living Standards
Access to clean water remains a major challenge in many parts of Northern Kenya. To address this issue, President Ruto commissioned the KSh460 million Eldas Water Supply Project in Eldas Constituency, Wajir County.
The project is expected to provide reliable access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents, schools, and health facilities.
Local leaders welcomed the initiative, noting that water shortages have long affected households, livestock keepers, and businesses in the region.
The government says investments in water infrastructure will not only improve public health but also support agriculture and livestock production, which are key economic activities in Northern Kenya.
Investment in Education
The President also laid the foundation stone for the new Eldas Teachers Training College, which will have a capacity of 580 students.
The institution is expected to play a key role in training teachers and improving education standards in the region.
President Ruto urged parents to prioritize education and ensure that all school-age children attend school.
He emphasized that the government is investing heavily in educational infrastructure and that communities must take advantage of the opportunities being created.
According to the President, education remains one of the most effective tools for combating poverty and empowering future generations.
He further directed local administrators and security officials to work closely with communities to ensure that children remain in school and complete their education.
KSh15 Billion Development Package for Wajir
The President announced that the government is investing KSh15 billion in various development projects across Wajir County.
The projects include the construction of 18 modern markets aimed at boosting local trade and creating opportunities for small businesses.
The investment package also includes hostels for approximately 2,000 students and the construction of 4,600 affordable housing units.
The housing program is expected to provide decent accommodation while creating employment opportunities for local residents through construction-related jobs.
Government officials say these projects will stimulate economic activity and improve the quality of life for thousands of families across the county.
Push for SHA Registration
Healthcare was another key issue discussed during the President’s tour.
President Ruto urged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the program is essential in helping citizens access affordable healthcare services.
He expressed concern that registration levels in Wajir County remain low, with only about 35 percent of residents enrolled.
The President explained that increased registration would enable the government to plan healthcare services more effectively and ensure that residents receive support when faced with medical emergencies.
He revealed that the government recently released KSh12.7 billion to hospitals nationwide to settle medical claims and strengthen healthcare services.
Additionally, he noted that medical equipment had recently been supplied to several health facilities in Northern Kenya to improve service delivery and support specialized treatment.
Road Infrastructure Remains a Priority
Before concluding his tour, President Ruto inspected the Garissa-Ijara road project, which forms part of the larger Lamu-Garissa-Ijara Highway.
The road is expected to improve connectivity between counties, facilitate movement of goods and services, and support economic development in the region.
The President reiterated that his administration remains committed to investing in infrastructure projects that will unlock the economic potential of Northern Kenya.
Looking Ahead
As the three-day tour came to an end, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Northern Kenya through strategic investments in roads, electricity, water, education, housing, healthcare, and security.
The projects announced during the visit are expected to improve living standards, create employment opportunities, and accelerate economic growth across the region.
For many residents, the success of these initiatives will ultimately depend on timely implementation and effective delivery. However, the government’s latest commitments signal a renewed focus on ensuring that Northern Kenya plays a central role in the country’s development journey.
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