By Andrew Kariuki

President William Ruto has pledged to address decades of marginalisation in Northern Kenya through accelerated investment in infrastructure and key development programmes.

Speaking during the Mandera East Grand Women Empowerment Programme at Mandera Stadium, the President said his administration is committed to ensuring the region catches up with the rest of the country.

“The President of Kenya will be the President of all Kenyans,” he said, adding that no part of the country would be left behind.

Ruto said the government is working to eliminate what he described as outdated politics of discrimination, neglect and tribalism, replacing them with inclusive development.

He outlined a series of projects targeting the region, including expanded electricity access, large-scale irrigation for agriculture and major road infrastructure.

To address persistent power shortages in Mandera County, the President announced the installation of nine generators to stabilise electricity supply. Plans are also underway to connect the county to the Ethiopian power grid located about 70 kilometres away.

On transport, Ruto said the government is investing in the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera road, with multiple contractors already on site.

“We have eight contractors on site on the Mandera-Isiolo road,” he said.

The President also highlighted plans to boost food production through irrigation, noting that Northern Kenya’s vast land and soil conditions make it a priority for agricultural investment.

In the education sector, he said the government has established teachers’ colleges within the region and is recruiting 1,800 teachers locally to ensure stability in schools.

Ruto added that reforms in the issuance of national identity cards have already taken effect, including the removal of extra vetting requirements that previously affected residents of the region.

“It is a constitutional right for every citizen to be given an identification card and thus participate fully in the affairs of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.

The President also confirmed that Wajir will host the 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations, with the stadium expected to be completed in time, and pledged to build a similar facility in Mandera.

During his visit to Banissa Constituency, Ruto inspected several ongoing projects, including the Banisa Water Supply Project, which is 85% complete and expected to connect over 1,500 households, as well as a police housing project and a modern market nearing completion.

Leaders from the region, including Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, welcomed the initiatives, praising the government’s efforts to bridge the development gap.

They also pledged political support for the President, saying the region has begun to see tangible progress.

The government maintains that the development push is part of a broader plan to ensure equitable distribution of resources and services across the country.