For decades, northern Kenya
has remained on the periphery of national development,
sidelined by successive
governments that failed to invest
in critical infrastructure, security
and economic empowerment.
The
region has suffered from poor road
networks, inadequate water supply,
limited access to electricity and persistent insecurity, leaving its people
feeling alienated from the rest of the
country.
Despite being a key part of
Kenya’s territorial and economic
landscape, the region has largely
been treated as an afterthought, only
receiving attention during election
campaigns.
President William Ruto, however,
has pledged to change this narrative.
Through a series of ambitious promises, he has set the stage for what
could be a historic transformation
for Mandera county and the broader northern region.
If fully implemented, these commitments could solidify
his political stronghold, potentially
securing him 100 per cent of Mandera’s votes in the 2027 election.
The real question remains: will
these promises translate into real
change, or will they become another political mirage? President Ruto’s
recent visit to Mandera was not just
symbolic; it carried significant political and economic weight.
He became the second Kenyan president
after Daniel Moi to spend a night
in the county, reinforcing his commitment to addressing the region’s
long-standing grievances.
In an unprecedented move, he held a nighttime town hall meeting, directly engaging with residents and outlining
a bold development agenda.
From roads and electrification
to water projects and security interventions, his promises touched on nearly every aspect of life in Mandera. However, the ultimate test of
his leadership will be whether these
pledges translate into visible, lasting
change.
One of Ruto’s biggest pledges was
to build and improve infrastructure,
a sector that has historically been
neglected in northern Kenya.
He
committed to fast-tracking the construction of a major road network
linking Mandera to the rest of the
country through Isiolo. Specifically,
he pledged direct government funding for the completion of the Rhamu-Mandera town section, eliminating the stalled annuity financing
model.
Additionally, the construction of
the road from Mandera town to Kutulo and its extension to other parts
of the region will enhance connectivity, boost trade and facilitate faster
transportation of goods and people.
If the promises are fulfilled, these roads
will significantly improve the region’s
economic prospects and end decades
of isolation.
Beyond infrastructure, Ruto seeks
to breathe life into the ongoing Sh3.1
billion sewerage and water project
to addressing Mandera’s persistent
water shortages.
The activation of
the Daua River Master Plan, which
includes mega irrigation dams and
flood protection infrastructure, is expected to provide sustainable water
solutions for residents, livestock and
agricultural activities.
These initiatives, if fully implemented, will not only enhance
livelihoods but also contribute to
climate resilience in the arid region.
Additionally, the President pledged to
support irrigation projects along the
Daua River, ensuring local farmers
can benefit from modern agricultural
techniques.
Electrification remains a crucial
area of concern for Mandera residents, and the President made bold
promises to address the problem.
He
announced a Sh2.6 billion investment
in electrification for Mandera county
in the current financial year, alongside a separate Sh1.3 billion allocation for electricity in off- grid towns.
Furthermore, Ruto revealed plans to
connect Mandera to the national grid
through Ethiopia, a move that will
provide stable and reliable electricity
to homes, businesses, and industries
in the region.
This development is
expected to lower the cost of doing
business and improve the overall
quality of life.
Economic growth is another focus
of the President’s pledges.
To empower local traders and boost commerce,
he promised to construct six modern
markets worth Sh1.8 billion, in addition to a Sh500 million aggregation centre that will enhance value
addition for agricultural produce.
Mandera East is also set to benefit
from a Sh350 million mega market,
providing traders with a state-of-theart facility to conduct business.
As the countdown to 2027 begins,
every promise made during Ruto’s
visit is under scrutiny.
If successfully
delivered, Mandera could witness an
unprecedented socioeconomic transformation, further consolidating Ruto’s political dominance in the region.