Ruto commits to solving North Eastern Kenya's development challenges

President William Ruto has reiterated his administration's commitment to addressing development challenges in north-eastern Kenya.

In a meeting at State House on Thursday, the President engaged with leaders from Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera counties, signalling the government's intention to prioritise the region's economic potential.

Ruto emphasised the importance of collaboration among leaders from different political backgrounds, acknowledging their collective efforts to foster development in the region.

"We are implementing programmes that will address socio-economic and developmental challenges in the region to ensure we unlock its economic potential," he stated in a social media post.

The president outlined several key areas of focus for his administration in the region. These include improvements in education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Additionally, he pledged to enhance security measures and ensure that roads in the region are tarmacked, bringing them up to the same standard as other parts of the country.

"We agreed to fast-track the implementation of programmes and infrastructure, including roads and water, education, health, agriculture, and enhancing security in the region," Ruto affirmed.

Despite the government's renewed focus on north-eastern Kenya, President Ruto has yet to embark on a developmental tour of the region since assuming office two years ago.

President William Ruto engages with North Eastern Kenya leaders at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 22, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

He has been actively launching development projects across the country, but north-eastern Kenya has seen limited direct engagement from the president.

The president's last visit to the region was in June, when he attended the 5th graduation ceremony of Garissa University.

During that visit, Ruto announced the construction of 800 housing units in Garissa County and promised an additional 4,000 units within two months.

He also committed to addressing water and electricity challenges in the county.

Additionally, Ruto announced plans to reopen the Garissa passport office within two weeks, highlighting the significance of operationalising the immigration office to facilitate employment opportunities abroad for the region's youth.

"In two weeks, the passport office will be reopened, and I will be here in two months to officially open the office," he said.

However, two months have passed since that promise, and the Garissa passport office remains unopened. The President has not yet made a return visit to Garissa as he had pledged, leaving some residents feeling neglected compared to other regions that have received more frequent attention from the government.

The meeting at State House marks the first step towards addressing the region's concerns. However, the residents of north-eastern Kenya remain watchful, waiting to see the government's words translated into tangible actions.

The promises made by President Ruto are now under scrutiny as the region anticipates the implementation of the programmes and infrastructure projects discussed during the meeting.