Nairobi: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured residents of Wajir County that the government is committed to ending decades of marginalisation through accelerated investment in infrastructure, housing, power connectivity, and enterprise empowerment.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kindiki announced during the Wajir County Economic Empowerment Program at Orahey Grounds in Wajir East that the Kenya Kwanza administration has allocated Sh3 billion for the Last Mile Connectivity Program, aiming to provide electricity access to 18,544 households. Furthermore, the government is constructing eight modern Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets across the county to boost trade and create jobs.
The Deputy President also detailed ongoing affordable housing projects, which include student hostels in TVETs, teacher training colleges, and medical campuses. He emphasized the progress on the 750-kilometre Isiolo-Wajir-Mandera road, describing it as the longest road project ever undertaken by the government since independence. He noted that once complete, the road will significantly transform trade and facilitate movement across the region.
To tackle frequent electricity shortages, the government is implementing a hybrid power generation programme that combines solar and diesel plants in areas such as Eldas, Habaswein, Merti, and Elwak. Kindiki also highlighted the elimination of the discriminatory vetting processes that were previously required for residents of Northern Kenya to acquire national identity cards and other citizenship documents, asserting that all Kenyans deserve equal treatment.
In his speech, Kindiki underscored the importance of supporting women- and youth-led SACCOs, which is central to the administration's agenda of strengthening small-scale businesses and unlocking the economic potential of the region. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Chairman of the Council of Governors, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, MPs from Wajir and neighbouring counties, and local leaders.