The vast North Eastern region will receive development projects worth billions of shillings as President William Ruto’s administration seeks to address marginalisation, Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has said.
Speaking in Lafey Constituency in Mandera County, Prof Kindiki said the government is rolling out infrastructure upgrades in the region just like in other parts of Kenya.
This, he said, will spur development and uplift the socio-economic status of the people who have suffered marginalisation for a long time.
He said President William Ruto’s administration has prioritised improving the lives of millions of residents in the region through numerous initiatives spread across Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Garissa and the whole region.
“North Eastern region has been marginalized for a long time but President Ruto has said every part of Kenya must be treated equally and must receive equitable development. If we are rolling out development in Nairobi, it must be the same in Coast, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, and North Eastern and everywhere in this country,” he said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addresses residents of Lafey, Mandera County on August 23, 2025.
Photo credit: DPCS
According to the DP, it will no longer be the norm where some areas of the country are left behind in development while others enjoy a bigger share of national resources.
“The government has prioritised development in this area and has instructed that it must receive similar development as any other part of the country because we are one country,” the DP reiterated.
The region has benefitted from infrastructure development touching on roads, electricity connections, modern markets and affordable housing, among other projects, including a new bridge connecting Garissa to Tana River and the region to the rest of the country.
Prof Kindiki said Kenya Kwanza government is constructing markets in Elwak, Banisa, Lafey, Kotulo and Mandera towns, as well as in major towns in the region.
The region is also benefiting from the affordable housing projects, he added.
He added that the ongoing hybrid electricity generation programme is set to benefit the North Eastern counties immensely, with one plant nearing completion in Elwak.
“North Eastern is part of Kenya and we will be developing it because the people here deserve projects like every other part of Kenya,” he noted.
The 750km Isiolo-Modogashe-Wajir-Tarbaj-Kotulo-Rhamu-Mandera Road, Prof Kindiki said, will cost Sh100 billion and is being done by seven contractors assigned to 11 sections of the project.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki commissioning the last mile connectivity programme by Rerec in Lafey, Mandera County, on August 23, 2025.
Photo credit: DPCS
“It is the longest road project to ever be undertaken in any part of Kenya since independence. We have brought enough contractors because it can’t be done by only one,” DP Kindiki revealed.
He also added that the Lamu-Ijara-Garissa-Isiolo road is underway, which he said is planned to open up northern Kenya for socio-economic development.
The Deputy President also said the discriminatory ID issuance processes had been abolished and there is no plan to relent in its implementation.
“We have now put in place a uniform and non-discriminatory process for everyone in this county. President Ruto will go into the annals of history for being the first President to get rid of discrimination in issuance of IDs. That is why we are saying he must continue to lead our country for two terms,” the DP noted.
The DP graced economic empowerment forums in Lafey, Mandera South and Wajir East on Saturday.
