By Abdullahi Jamaa
NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto on Monday met political leaders from five counties in Northern Kenya at State House, Nairobi, to discuss development priorities, with a focus on infrastructure, access to essential services and economic transformation.
The meeting brought together leaders from Isiolo, Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties.
The delegation was led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and included Governors Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir, Nathif Jama of Garissa and Mohamed Khalif of Mandera.
President Ruto said the government was working with leaders from Northern Kenya to address longstanding development challenges and accelerate the region’s economic and social progress.
“We are working closely with the leaders of Northern Kenya to address the challenges facing the residents in an effort to accelerate the region’s transformation,” Ruto said.
He added that the government’s development agenda seeks to reverse decades of underinvestment in the region.
“Our deliberate policies are ending decades of marginalisation by ensuring equitable development, expanding access to essential services and creating more economic opportunities for the people,” the President said.
Ruto also highlighted the recently established National Infrastructure Fund, saying it would provide financing for projects in energy generation, water harvesting and storage, and irrigation to help unlock Northern Kenya’s agricultural and industrial potential.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi described the meeting as a consultative session aimed at strengthening cooperation between the national and county governments.
“Strengthening collaboration between the national and county governments remains key to unlocking the full potential of Northern Kenya,” the governor said.
Ahmed said the discussions focused on improving infrastructure, expanding essential public services and creating economic opportunities across the region.
“We reaffirmed the need for sustained investment in infrastructure, essential public services and economic opportunities that will improve livelihoods across our counties,” he said.
The governor welcomed what he described as the government’s commitment to equitable development, saying the National Infrastructure Fund could support investments in electricity, water infrastructure and irrigation.
“The establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund presents an important opportunity to expand energy generation, strengthen water harvesting and storage, support irrigation and unlock the agricultural and industrial potential of Northern Kenya,” he said.
Ahmed added that, for Wajir County, the commitments discussed could lead to improved infrastructure, better public services and broader economic growth.
Monday’s consultations signal continued engagement between the national government and county leaders as Kenya pursues policies intended to reduce regional disparities and expand development opportunities in the country’s northern frontier.
