Ruto made many pledges to Mandera but will he deliver?

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.