DP Kindiki assures North Eastern of development projects after years of marginalization

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the Ruto administration has prioritised improving the lives of millions of people in the region through numerous initiatives spread across Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Garissa, and the wider North Eastern region.

Prof. Kindiki spoke on Saturday during the Mandera East Constituency Economic Empowerment event held in Elwak town, Mandera County.

The Deputy President also graced similar Economic Empowerment engagements in Lafey, Mandera County, and Wajir County.

“North Eastern region has been marginalized for a long time, but President Ruto has said every part of Kenya must be treated equally and must receive equitable development. If we are rolling out development in Nairobi, it must be the same in Coast, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, North Eastern, and everywhere in this country,” the DP declared.

He said it will no longer be the norm for some areas of the country to be left behind in development while others enjoy a bigger share of national resources.

“The government has prioritized development in this area and has instructed that it must receive similar development as any other part of the country because we are one nation,” DP Kindiki reiterated.

So far, the region has benefited from infrastructure development in roads, electricity connections, modern markets, and affordable housing, among others.

Construction of markets is ongoing in Elwak, Banisa, Lafey, Kotulo, and Mandera towns, as well as in other major towns in the region.

Affordable housing projects are also being implemented across the counties.

The hybrid electricity generation program is set to benefit the North Eastern counties immensely, with one plant nearing completion in Elwak. Others are under construction in Eldas, Merti, and Habaswein towns. A major solar project is also being undertaken in Garissa.

“North Eastern is part of Kenya, and we will be developing it because the people here deserve projects just like every other part of the country,” he noted.

The biggest road project ever undertaken in Kenya is also ongoing in the region and is expected to be completed before the next elections.

The 750km Isiolo–Modogashe–Wajir–Tarbaj–Kotulo–Rhamu–Mandera Road will cost Sh100 billion and is being undertaken by seven contractors working on 11 sections of the project.

“It is the longest road project ever undertaken in any part of Kenya since independence. We have engaged enough contractors because it cannot be done by only one,” DP Kindiki revealed.

Additionally, the Lamu–Ijara–Garissa–Isiolo Road is underway and is set to open up northern Kenya for socio-economic development.

The Deputy President also said the discriminative ID issuance processes had been abolished and emphasized that the government would not relent in ensuring fairness.