Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending decades of marginalisation in historically overlooked regions across Kenya. Speaking during an Economic Empowerment Forum on Faza Island, Lamu East, Kindiki acknowledged that some areas had been deliberately sidelined since independence.
“The government recognises the injustices of the past, and we are determined to bridge the development gap so that every Kenyan can enjoy equal opportunities,” Kindiki said.
As part of this effort, the Deputy President announced that 70 percent of fishermen displaced by the construction of Lamu Port have been compensated, in line with a court directive, with plans underway to settle the remaining 30 percent. He also revealed a Sh239 million investment in fish landing sites in Mokowe and Lamu, aimed at revitalising the local fishing industry.
The coastal region will benefit further from grants to expand beach management units, and the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy has been directed to fast-track the operationalisation of key ports in Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale. Modern deep-sea speedboats have also been procured to boost maritime activities.
Kindiki also highlighted Sh307 million allocated for last-mile electricity connectivity in Lamu, with Sh173 million directed to Lamu East. Affordable housing projects are underway in Mokowe, Hindi, and Mpeketoni.
The Deputy President urged citizens to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that Lamu has already enrolled 150,000 residents 50 percent of the county’s population ranking second after Mombasa.
On security, Kindiki assured continued efforts to improve safety in areas like Mpeketoni and Witu. He emphasized the need for political stability, urging opposition leaders to wait for the 2027 elections rather than inciting unrest.
“We need two terms to complete critical projects like roads, electricity, and affordable housing, and to fulfill the promises we made to Kenyans,” he stated.
Kindiki was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, and a host of legislators from across the country, underlining the national importance of the development agenda.
