President William Ruto has assured Mt Kenya residents that the region will not be sidelined in development.
Ruto who was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday promised to complete ongoing projects and initiate more to make their lives better.
The President and his Deputy on Tuesday began a development tour of the region with a firm commitment not to let adverse politics derail key projects aimed at boosting the area’s socio-economic growth.
The visit commenced in Laikipia West constituency where the Head of State opened the Tuition Block at Ng’arachi Comprehensive School and last-mile electricity connectivity project.
Ng’arachi Comprehensive School benefitted from rehabilitation program spearheaded by the Kenya Defence Forces under the Operation Maliza Uhalifu project that has seen improvement of learning infrastructure in nine schools in the constituency.
Other beneficiaries are Kirima, Mahua, Muteta, Thigio, Gatarima, Mwenje, Nyakinyua and Milimani primary schools.
“The biggest challenge here has been insecurity, and the topmost request by the people here was to ensure their security is guaranteed. I am glad interventions rolled out have borne fruit, and people are going about their business without facing security threats,” said President Ruto.
Construction of roads and markets is ongoing, the President revealed, saying Laikipia and Mt Kenya region will not be discriminated against in socio-economic development.
The Deputy President said the insecurity in the county had been contained following interventions by the government saying the focus now is rolling out more development projects for the benefit of the people.
“Insecurity was up in Laikipia County when the President took over in 2022, but the government beefed up security, deployed Armored Personnel Carriers and Mines Resistance Protected Vehicles, and it is now safer than before. We are now celebrating the reopening of schools that were initially battered by banditry,” said Kindiki.
The DP said they will not be distracted in serving the people, assuring the President of unwavering focus in delivering the government’s agenda.
“I assure you, Mr President, that together with the Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and all government officers and elected members of our coalition, we will not waste time arguing and fighting with the people who have no agenda for the country," Kindiki said.
"We will not waste time fighting with people who can't tell what they have done for the people. I assure you I will be a steady assistant, a steady deputy, right behind you firmly and together with my colleagues, we are going to deliver Kenya to the promised land under your leadership."
The President also inspected the ongoing construction of Nanyuki Modern Market, Nanyuki Affordable Housing Project and laid the foundation for the classrooms at Nanyuki DEB Primary and Junior School in Laikipia East.
In the neighboring Nyeri County, the President launched last-mile electricity connection for Mwicuiri village and commissioned classrooms block at Naromoru Primary School in Kieni constituency. The President also inspected Naromoru ESP Market and addressed wananchi at Naromoru town.
The government is investing Sh850 million to connect over 10, 000 households in the county. A further Sh550 million has been set aside for the electrification project.
“The person to be questioned about Nyeri issues is me. Roads, markets, schools, and electricity connections must be done in Nyeri as we do in other parts of the country. I will never forget the support you gave me, and I will return it in kind,” said the Head of State.
