Ruto Pledges Accelerated Development for Northern Kenya After Meeting Regional Leaders

By Natalia Seini Letur

 President William Ruto on Monday held a consultative meeting with leaders from five Northern Kenya counties at State House, Nairobi, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing historical marginalisation through infrastructure investments and expanded access to essential services.

The meeting brought together leaders from Isiolo, Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties. According to the President, the discussions focused on accelerating the region’s transformation by improving infrastructure, increasing economic opportunities and enhancing service delivery.

“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,” President Ruto said in a statement issued after the meeting.

The President said his administration’s policies are aimed at ending decades of marginalisation by promoting equitable development, expanding access to essential services and creating more economic opportunities for residents of the region.

Ruto also highlighted the recently established National Infrastructure Fund, saying it will provide resources for strategic investments in energy generation, water harvesting and storage, irrigation and other projects aimed at unlocking Northern Kenya’s agricultural and industrial potential.

The fund was signed into law earlier this year as part of the government’s broader strategy to finance major infrastructure projects while reducing reliance on public borrowing.

“Strategic initiatives such as the recently established National Infrastructure Fund will provide the resources necessary to invest in energy generation, water harvesting and storage, and irrigation to unlock the region’s industrial and agricultural potential,” the President stated.

The meeting was attended by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and governors Ahmed Abdullahi, Nathif Jama and Mohamed Khalif, alongside other leaders from the Northern Kenya region.

Discussions centred on strengthening collaboration between the national and county governments to fast-track development programmes and improve livelihoods across the region.

Northern Kenya has long faced development challenges linked to inadequate infrastructure, water scarcity and limited access to public services. The government has repeatedly stated that addressing these disparities remains a priority under its development agenda.