Eldas MP Aden Keynan addressing his constituents at his residence in Wajir town./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Eldas MP Aden Keynan has lauded President William Ruto's investments in Northern Kenya, describing them as historic efforts to address decades of marginalisation.
Speaking to the press in Wajir town on Wednesday, Keynan said Ruto's administration has made bold and deliberate investments to unlock the economic potential of the North.
“Of all the presidents Kenya has had since independence, none has demonstrated greater care, commitment and dedication to the welfare and development of the Somali community than President William Ruto,” Keynan said.
The fifth-term lawmaker who also chairs the Northern Kenya Parliamentary Group spoke just a day after Ruto concluded his three-day tour of Wajir and Garissa counties.
“His administration is making significant investments to unlock Northern Kenya’s immense potential and address decades of historical neglect. He is determined to build a stronger, more prosperous, united and inclusive Kenya.”
The legislator said he was honoured to host Ruto in Eldas constituency alongside leaders from Wajir, the wider North Eastern region and senior government officials during a strategic development tour that saw the commissioning and inspection of landmark projects.
Keynan said the President’s visit marked a defining moment for Eldas, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development, equitable resource distribution and the integration of all parts of the country into the national development agenda.
“This visit marked a defining milestone in the history of Eldas. It clearly demonstrates that no part of our country will be left behind in the pursuit of shared prosperity and sustainable growth,” he said.
The projects launched and commissioned during the tour reflected purposeful leadership and effective collaboration between the national government and local leaders, Keynan said.
“These transformative investments reflect the power of purposeful leadership and the strong partnership in advancing development across our region. They affirm the steady progress of Eldas on its path towards prosperity, where development is no longer a distant aspiration but an existing reality.”
Keynan also expressed appreciation to Ruto’s administration for prioritising key development projects across Northern Kenya and advancing the principles of inclusion, equity and national cohesion.
The MP also thanked residents of Eldas, Wajir county and the wider North Eastern region for the warm reception accorded to the President and his delegation throughout the visit.
“As we celebrate these milestones, we remain committed to unlocking even greater opportunities for all regions.”
President Ruto concluded his three-day tour of Northern Kenya after traversing Wajir and Garissa counties, where he launched, commissioned and inspected a series of development projects aimed at accelerating socio-economic growth and improving livelihoods.
A major highlight of the visit was his leading the nation in celebrating the 63rd Madaraka Day at Wajir Stadium — the first time in Kenya’s history that the national event had been hosted in the North Eastern region.
The celebrations symbolised a significant shift towards greater national inclusion and recognition of a region that has long remained on the margins of development.
During the tour, the President inspected progress on the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project Package II, Lot 2, covering the 64-kilometre Tarbaj-Kotulo section of the A13 Road in Wajir county.
The government is implementing the ambitious 750-kilometre Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project from Isiolo through Wajir to Mandera at a cost of Sh100 billion.
The flagship infrastructure programme is expected to boost trade, attract investment and enhance regional connectivity.
In Maalimin, Lagdera constituency in Garissa county, the President broke ground for the Sh72.2 million Maalimin Mini-Grid Project.
The facility, comprising a 102-kilowatt peak solar system and a 331-kilowatt-hour battery energy storage unit, is expected to provide clean, reliable and sustainable electricity to more than 500 households while supporting local economic activities and improving energy access.
The President also announced major investments in rural electrification across the region.
The government is investing Sh4.1 billion to connect approximately 26,000 households in Wajir county, Sh2.5 billion to connect 18,600 households in Mandera county and Sh1.6 billion to connect more than 8,300 households in Garissa county.
In Eldas constituency, Ruto laid the foundation stone for the construction of student hostels at the 580-bed Eldas Teachers Training College, a project expected to enhance access to quality teacher education and strengthen human capital development in the region.
The President also commissioned the Sh460 million Eldas Water Supply Project and pledged an additional Sh900 million to expand water access and improve service delivery for residents.
Addressing wananchi during the tour, Ruto said his administration was determined to end decades of inequality by ensuring development was distributed fairly across the country.
“We are ending decades of marginalisation by implementing development projects fairly across Kenya. Our goal is to build a nation that every Kenyan is proud to call home,” he said.
President William Ruto inspecting the progress on the 257km Lamu-Ijara-Garissa Road, part of the 453km LAPSSET Corridor Development Project.
