Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured residents of Northeastern Kenya that the region will no longer be left behind in the country’s development agenda, pledging billions of shillings in transformative projects.
Speaking in Elwak, Mandera East, during the Constituency Economic Empowerment Programme on Saturday, Kindiki emphasized that the administration of President William Ruto has prioritized the historically marginalized counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, and Isiolo.
“North Eastern has been marginalized for a long time, but President Ruto has said every part of Kenya must be treated equally. If we are rolling out projects in Nairobi, we must do the same in Coast, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, and here in North Eastern,” Kindiki stated.
The Deputy President presided over similar engagements in Lafey and Wajir, reiterating that equitable access to national resources and opportunities will drive unity and growth.
Already, several infrastructure projects are underway. These include modern markets in Elwak, Banisa, Lafey, Kotulo, and Mandera towns, alongside affordable housing schemes spread across the region. In the energy sector, a hybrid electricity program is being rolled out, with a plant nearing completion in Elwak and others in Eldas, Merti, and Habaswein. Additionally, Garissa is hosting a major solar power project aimed at boosting clean energy supply.
The government is also undertaking what has been described as the largest road project in Kenya’s history the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Modogashe–Wajir–Tarbaj–Kotulo–Rhamu–Mandera highway, valued at Sh100 billion. The massive project, split among seven contractors working on 11 sections, is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, and unlock economic potential. Complementing it is the Lamu–Ijara–Garissa–Isiolo road, which will further integrate the region into the national economy.
Kindiki also announced reforms in the issuance of national identity cards, a process that had long been criticized for discrimination in Northeastern. He said the new system is uniform and fair for all citizens.
“President Ruto will go down in history as the first President to abolish discrimination in ID issuance. That is why we believe he must continue to lead our country for two terms,” Kindiki remarked.
