President William Ruto on Tuesday intensified his development tour of Wajir County, launching and inspecting a series of infrastructure, water, education and energy projects aimed at accelerating economic growth in the North Eastern region.
Ruto began the day by inspecting the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project Package II, Lot 2, covering the 64-kilometre Tarbaj-Kotulo A13 road section in Tarbaj, Wajir County.
The road forms part of the broader 750km regional connectivity programme aimed at enhancing trade, transport and movement of people between Kenya and neighbouring countries in the Horn of Africa.
The project stretching from Isiolo-Mandera through Wajir is being constructed for Sh100 billion.
More than 11 contractors have been engaged in various sections of the expansive corridor to ensure the project is delivered within the set time frame.
He then commissioned the Sh460 million Eldas Water Supply Project, which is expected to provide residents with improved access to clean and safe water.
To further address water shortages in the region, the President announced an additional Sh900 million investment to expand water infrastructure.
“We are committed to ensuring that residents of this region have access to adequate and reliable water supply,” he said.
The Head of State also laid the foundation stone for the construction of 580-bed student hostels at Eldas Teachers Training College, a project expected to enhance accommodation capacity and improve learning conditions for trainee teachers.
During the visit, Ruto revealed that the government is investing Sh15 billion in Wajir County through various projects designed to transform livelihoods and create employment opportunities.
The investments include the construction of 18 modern markets, 2,000-bed student hostels and 4,600 affordable housing units.
“The Government is investing Sh15 billion in Wajir County to build 18 modern markets, 2,000-bed student hostels and 4,600 affordable housing units. These initiatives will expand economic opportunities, improve living standards and create jobs for residents,” the President said.
He noted that the projects form part of the government's broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda aimed at stimulating local economies while improving access to social amenities.
Later, while addressing residents in Eldas town, Ruto called on parents across Northern Kenya to embrace education and ensure all school-going children are enrolled and retained in school.
He said the government was making significant investments in education infrastructure and opportunities for learners and urged communities to take full advantage of the programmes.
“We are investing heavily in education because it remains the surest path to transforming lives and uplifting communities. Parents must ensure their children attend school and benefit from these opportunities,” he said.
To expand access to electricity in Northern Kenya, Ruto revealed that the government is investing Sh8.4 billion to connect more than 53, 000 households across the region.
