Ruto banks on infrastructure fund to unlock Northern Kenya potential

President William Ruto, ODM leader Oburu Oginga, Health CS Aden Duale and other leaders during Iftar Dinner at State House, Mombasa, March 13, 2026/PCS

President William Ruto has said the government is taking deliberate steps to address what he described as historical marginalisation in Northern Kenya, including hosting a major national celebration in the region and investing in infrastructure.

Speaking during an Iftar dinner at State House in Mombasa, the President announced that this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations will be held in Wajir for the first time since independence.

“So, for the first time in the history of Kenya, we will have national celebrations in Wajir...,” Ruto said.

He said the move is intended to show that every region of the country is equally valued.

“So that we can demonstrate to Kenya that northern Kenya is as good as any part of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.

Northern Kenya, which includes counties such as Wajir, Mandera, Garissa and Marsabit, has often been cited as an example of 'historical marginalisation', with critics pointing to poor infrastructure and limited access to public services.

Ruto said the government is using the National Infrastructure Fund to address those disparities.

“As my elder brother, Senator Oburu, the party leader of Orange Democratic Movement, said, the National Infrastructure Fund is the instrument that we are going to use to correct the mistakes of session wallpaper number one,” he said.

According to the President, the fund will finance key projects including roads, an airport and major water infrastructure.

“The first three items that we will be funding using the National Infrastructure Fund and the resources we are raising from privatisation are not just going to be the roads, it's not going to be the airport, which is on course, but we have the first 12 dams that are going to be funded under the National Infrastructure Fund,” he said.

He noted that most of the projects will target northern Kenya. “And 60% of those dams are in northern Kenya,” he added.

Ruto also said the region has vast potential for agriculture.

“We have a lot of land in northern Kenya, very fertile land. In fact, that is the future of the agricultural and food security intervention in Kenya,” he said.

The President further defended government efforts to expand access to identification documents, saying every Kenyan is entitled to them.

“An identity card was made to be a privilege or a passport to be a privilege for some sections of our society, which is not correct,” he said.

“It is a right for each and every one of us.”

Ruto said the government is determined to address 'past injustices' and build a more equal nation.

“All we are doing is correcting the injustices of the past, righting the wrongs that have been meted against fellow citizens because of prejudices,” he said.

“Together, we are stronger. Together, we can go places.”