North Eastern leaders' great expectations as Ruto visits the region
The visit follows a decision by leaders from the region, including professionals from various sectors of the economy, to form a caucus that will advocate for the welfare and development priorities of the region.
Leaders from the North Eastern region of the country are expected to present a series of issues affecting their constituents to President William Ruto during his tour, which begins on Tuesday next week.
Lagdera MP Mohamed Abdikadir Hussein confirmed to the Eastleigh Voice on Saturday that Ruto is set to visit the three counties in the region next week.
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The president is expected to launch and inspect several development initiatives and programmes during his week-long visit to Mandera, Garissa, and Wajir counties.
"Yes, he will visit the region from Tuesday. He will visit Mandera, Garissa, and Wajir counties," the MP said.
The visit follows a decision by leaders from the region, including professionals from various sectors of the economy, to form a caucus that will advocate for the welfare and development priorities of the region.
The group, under the North Eastern Parliamentary Group (NE-PG), led by Eldas MP Adan Keynan and his Dadaab counterpart Farah Maalim, has already held two high-profile consultation meetings in Mombasa and Nairobi to strategise on ways to press Ruto’s administration to prioritise the region.
Last month, the group dismissed a proposal by the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) regarding the division of revenue to counties, describing it as unfair and unacceptable. The revenue allocation formula used by the Commission is largely based on county population figures rather than other factors such as land mass.
They argued that basing revenue allocation solely on population discriminates against marginalised regions.
"We will not allow such a discriminatory formula to determine resource allocation. We urge the CRA and parliamentarians to reject this proposal," said Farah Maalim.
He added that leaders from the northern region are prepared to challenge the formula in court if necessary.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan emphasised the importance of the caucus in advocating for the completion of development initiatives, such as road projects, in the region.
President William Ruto is set to vist the North Eastern Region. (Photo: PCS)
Region's struggles
Residents of North Eastern are optimistic that President Ruto’s maiden tour will bring much-needed development to a region that still lags in infrastructure and public services.
The region has historically struggled with inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of teachers, and insecurity.
"The president’s tour could not have come at a better time. As residents, we are ready to welcome him with open arms. His visit is about restoring faith in the government’s commitment to marginalised communities and regions like ours," said Dubat Amey, chairman of the Kenya Livestock Marketing Council.
He added: "It is an open secret that, as a region, we still have a long way to go in terms of development compared to other parts of the country. We have trust and confidence in President Ruto to turn things around."
Kullow Mohamed Sheikh, the interim chairman of Mandera County’s third political force, highlighted four major concerns that need urgent attention.
He singled out the Wajir-Mandera road, the construction of an airstrip in Mandera, the connection of Mandera to the national electricity grid, and the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border.
"Most of our roads in Mandera and the wider region are in a deplorable condition. In fact, the poor road network is a major cause of poverty in the region, and Mandera County specifically. We plead with the president to launch the tarmacking of the Wajir-Mandera road."
He added: "Mandera is a thriving business hub. Our humble request is that we be connected to the national grid, which would be a game-changer. As for the border, reopening it would significantly boost economic growth in the region."
Mohamed Abdinoor, chairman of the Trans Wajir Advocacy Network, emphasised the need to fast-track the construction of the Modogashe-Wajir road, the Modogashe-Samatar road, and the Mandera-Rhamu sections.
He stated that these roads would serve as a "lifeline" for locals, opening up avenues for economic growth, improving access to healthcare, and enhancing transportation.
"The people of Wajir and other North Eastern counties have suffered due to a lack of infrastructure. We have endured rough, dangerous, and often impassable roads that have held back our region’s potential. This is one issue I expect the president to address."
He added: "As a region, we are humbly asking the president—whom we know has our best interests at heart—to give us these roads, and we will show the rest of the world the opportunities that exist in our region."
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