State unveils 1,236 projects to benefit 6 million Kenyans in marginalised areas

The government has launched 1,236 development projects aimed at transforming 1,424 marginalised regions across the country.

These projects, expected to benefit over six million Kenyans, are part of the ongoing efforts to address economic disparities, with a focus on health, education, water, and infrastructure.

The initiative will span 366 wards across 111 constituencies in 34 counties, with the projects being guided by the Second Marginalisation Policy of 2017, developed by the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA).

This move is in line with the government's commitment to bridging the gap between the marginalised and more developed regions of the country.

During the launch on Wednesday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who delivered President William Ruto's remarks, highlighted the key components of the initiative.

"We are going to ensure that 115 classrooms are constructed, 117 boreholes are drilled and equipped to provide water, 41 water pans are excavated, and 176 health facilities will be built, 53 of which will be fully equipped to serve the public," he said.

Ruto emphasised the government's dedication to improving access to essential services for Kenyans living in marginalised areas.

Provide equitable services

The total investment for these projects stands at Sh8.1 billion, a significant allocation aimed at providing equitable services across the country.

The President stressed that his administration's approach to development would mirror the principles of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

"We know the consequences of economic and social exclusion are so dire, and as a country, we should not allow it to continue within our society. My government is committed to investing the necessary resources to ensure that every Kenyan has access to quality services such as health, water, electricity, and roads at all times," he said.

In his address, President Ruto reaffirmed his government's commitment to fully operationalising Article 204 of the Kenyan Constitution, which established the Equalisation Fund.

This fund was created to ensure that the living standards of marginalised regions rise to the level enjoyed by other parts of the nation.

"Despite the slow operationalisation of Article 204 due to obstacles such as litigations, my administration is committed to its full implementation. It is notable that under my administration, the equalisation fund has ensured the implementation of 359 projects, out of which 265 are complete. These projects will benefit nine million Kenyans residing in the 14 counties that were identified as marginalised under the first policy," the President said.

The Equalisation Fund is derived from half a per cent of all national government revenue collected each year, as approved by the National Assembly.

Since its inception, it has allocated approximately Sh66.1 billion, with Sh12.4 billion allocated under the First Policy of 2013.

Among the dignitaries present at the launch were Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury John Mbadi, Council of Governors Chairperson Abdullahi Mohamed, Equalisation Fund Advisory Board Chairperson Mahboub Mohamed, CEO of the board Guyo Boru, and CRA Chairperson Mary Wanyonyi, among other leaders.