Ruto pledges support for women leaders from marginalised communities

President William Ruto has committed to involving women from marginalised communities in managing the country's affairs. The announcement followed a meeting with grassroots women leaders from Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties.

The President hosted these women leaders at the State House shortly after holding discussions with male leaders from the same North Eastern counties. They include; Mariam Omar (Mandera  Senator), Fatuma Jehow  (Wajir Women Rep), Umulkheir Kassim (Mandera Women Rep), Amina Udgoon (Garissa Women Rep), Sulekha Harun (Nominated Mandera MP) and Umulkher Harun (Garissa Nominated MP).

During the meeting, President Ruto emphasised the importance of empowering women, particularly those from marginalised areas, to enhance the country's overall functioning.

He reiterated his administration's intention to include women in decision-making processes to ensure inclusive development.

"We are all better off when our women, especially those from marginalised areas, are empowered and included in decision-making. We will engage women leaders in the management of the affairs of our country to ensure inclusive development," President Ruto stated after the meeting.

Earlier in the day, the President met with male leaders from North Eastern Kenya to discuss the region's development challenges. In these discussions, President Ruto highlighted his administration's commitment to addressing the region's socio-economic issues.

He acknowledged the need for collaboration among leaders from various political backgrounds to drive development in the area.

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

We are all better off when our women — especially those from marginalised areas — are empowered and included in decision-making.

We will engage women leaders in the management of the affairs of our country to ensure inclusive development.

At @StateHouseKenya, Nairobi, met… pic.twitter.com/mCckKpdEBZ

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) August 22, 2024

President Ruto outlined several priority areas for his administration's efforts in North Eastern Kenya. These include improving education, healthcare, and agriculture. He also pledged to enhance security measures and upgrade roads in the region to match the standards of 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 renewed focus on the region, President Ruto has yet to embark on a developmental tour of North Eastern Kenya since taking office two years ago. His administration has been actively launching development projects across the country, but direct engagement in North Eastern Kenya has been limited.

The President's last visit to the region was in June when he attended the 5th graduation ceremony of Garissa University. During that visit, he announced the construction of 800 housing units in Garissa County and promised an additional 4,000 units within two months.