National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula/HANDOUT
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has said improved infrastructure and enhanced security remain critical to unlocking Marsabit County’s economic potential.
Wetang’ula said the government was investing in roads and other infrastructure while working with local communities to address insecurity and create conditions for economic growth.
Speaking at an education fund drive at Mugur E Serima in Marsabit County on Saturday, Wetang’ula said marginalised areas must benefit equitably from national development programmes.
He said many of the country’s resources are found outside major urban centres and called for increased investment in roads and other infrastructure to connect communities, facilitate trade and attract investors.
“Infrastructure development and security are key to unlocking the economic potential of this region,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker said the government had made progress in roads, health, education and other sectors under President William Ruto’s administration.
He cited major investments, including the Sh2 trillion Lamu project and the Dangote Oil Refinery, as examples of economic projects that could create opportunities beyond the country’s major urban centres.
Wetang’ula also said the Government planned to employ an additional 24,000 teachers this year, with hardship areas expected to receive more teachers.
He recalled his role in the signing and finalisation of the Rumuruti-Maralal Road when he served as Foreign Affairs Minister, saying the project demonstrated the impact of infrastructure in opening up previously marginalised areas.
“I have visited many parts of this country and seen what partnerships can achieve. Economic projects must be implemented uniformly across Kenya so that every community can benefit from our resources and development,” he said.
The Speaker said the government remained ready to listen to residents on security and development priorities, urging leaders and communities to work together to address challenges facing the county.
Bernice Lemedeket, Secretary, Administration and Accounting Officer at the National Police Service, who hosted the education fundraiser, called for greater support for children from marginalised communities.
“We made it in our careers because we took the time to remain in class. We should have more children from marginalised communities excelling in education,” she said.
Lemedeket also called for more employment opportunities for local residents, saying investment in infrastructure should be accompanied by investment in human capital.
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali said his administration had awarded full scholarships to more than 10,000 students since 2018.
He said education support should be accessible to children from all communities regardless of clan affiliations.
“We don't have clans when funding our children's education. The laws on scholarships have changed, but that doesn't mean we stop funding our education system,” Ali said.
The governor also voiced support for President Ruto’s re-election bid, saying local political considerations should not determine the presidential contest.
“We have listened to the opposition; they lack the charisma and the agenda to lead the nation,” he said.
Laisamis MP Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton thanked Wetang’ula for his support for marginalised communities and called for unity to advance development in the region.
“Leaders need support. We made strides, but we are grateful to President Ruto for his efforts to unite and grow the country as one entity,” he said.
Principal Secretary for Industrialisation Juma Mukhwana urged Kenyans to support development initiatives, saying available resources should be harnessed for the benefit of citizens.
“It is no longer about being politically correct but about harnessing available resources for the benefit of all Kenyans. President Ruto has shown us the way,” Mukhwana said.
Wetang’ula’s remarks come as the government faces continued questions over infrastructure in Marsabit, with Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen recently telling the Senate that several police stations and security posts in Marsabit and Turkana remain below the required standards.
