Nairobi: The government has earmarked Sh780 million to provide electricity to over 9,000 homes in Elgeyo Marakwet County during the current financial year. During a women empowerment program in Chesoi, Marakwet East sub-county, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki announced that the project has received approval and is currently underway.
According to Kenya News Agency, Deputy President Kindiki highlighted the initiative's dual purpose of increasing access to clean energy and enabling youth to engage in income-generating activities, thus addressing the unemployment challenge. He also assured that the government will finalize stalled road projects, including the Kapyego-Chesoi and Chesoi-Tirap-Embobut roads, by resolving payment issues with contractors.
The Deputy President praised those who have embraced peace and surrendered illegal firearms in Kerio Valley. He announced plans for a major fundraising event aimed at supporting both reformed individuals and victims of insecurity in the region. Kindiki noted that economic recovery measures under the president's leadership have resulted in Kenya being ranked as the 6th largest economy in Africa by the International Monetary Fund, surpassing Ethiopia and Angola, with aspirations of reaching the top position by 2032.
Highlighting economic progress, Kindiki reported an improvement in the Kenyan shilling's exchange rate, which has strengthened from Sh165 to the dollar in 2022 to the current rate of Sh129. This financial improvement is complemented by a significant reduction in fertilizer prices from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500, leading to increased agricultural production and reduced food costs.
In the health sector, Prof. Kindiki stated that 26.6 million Kenyans have registered with the Social Health Authority within a year, with a target of reaching 45 million by next year and 55 million by 2027.
Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, also speaking at the event, assured that the police recruitment exercise would be transparent, urging residents to witness the process and ensuring that only qualified candidates are selected. He warned against bribery, emphasizing legal consequences for any misconduct during recruitment.
Farouk Kibet, the president's aide, called for the withdrawal of legal challenges against the police recruitment process, suggesting that the National Police Service Commission should delegate the responsibility to the police.