President William Ruto has intensified efforts to implement his administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) across the country, ensuring that all regions, regardless of their political alignment, benefit from government services. In a deliberate push to foster national unity and inclusivity, the President has focused on historically marginalized areas, including Northern Kenya, demonstrating his commitment to equitable development.
During his recent tour of Garissa County, President Ruto launched several landmark projects aimed at improving infrastructure, public service delivery, and economic opportunities. The highlight of his visit was the commissioning of the Garissa Immigration Office, which had remained closed since 2014 due to security concerns. The reopening of this facility will ease the process of obtaining passports and travel documents for residents, eliminating the need for long journeys to Nairobi. This move also follows his directive to eliminate discriminatory vetting processes in issuing national identity cards, a longstanding challenge for many residents of Northern Kenya.
President Ruto’s administration has also taken significant steps in addressing land tenure issues in the region. By issuing 3,000 of the planned 10,000 title deeds, his government is working to empower residents with legal ownership of land, facilitating investment and economic growth. This is the highest number of title deeds issued to the region since independence, signifying a shift in policy towards regional inclusivity.
Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of the President’s plan for Northern Kenya. He announced that his government, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, World Bank, and Arab Bank, is constructing the Isiolo-Mandera road. This key transport corridor will enhance trade and accessibility, boosting economic activities in the region. Additionally, he launched the construction of the KSh1.7 billion Tana River Bridge, which will alleviate the transportation challenges caused by frequent floods that cut off Garissa and Tana River counties from the rest of the country.
Air transport is also receiving a boost, with President Ruto flagging off the construction of a new runway at the Garissa Airstrip and assessing the upgrade of existing facilities. This project, undertaken in partnership with the county government, is expected to facilitate daily commercial flights, further integrating Northern Kenya into the national economy.
The President also addressed the agricultural and livestock sectors, which are central to the livelihoods of many residents. He kick-started the National Livestock Restocking Programme, distributing over 53,000 animals to more than 10,000 families at a cost of KSh1 billion. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of animal vaccination programs to curb livestock diseases, ensuring that Kenyan meat meets international market standards. This initiative is expected to bolster the local economy and improve food security in the region.
Housing and urban development were also on the President’s agenda. He inspected the 408-unit Garissa Affordable Housing Project and announced the commencement of 1,000 additional units. These housing projects will accommodate students from local institutions, including the university, Kenya Medical Training College, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers. By integrating housing with education, the government is fostering sustainable urban growth and improving access to quality education.
President Ruto also underscored his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services. He pledged full support for the equipping of the Mother and Child Unit at the Garissa Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital, a crucial step towards enhancing maternal and child healthcare services in the region. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country.
In a move towards clean energy, the President visited the steam carbon cooking asset project at Garissa High School. This pilot initiative aims to transition schools away from firewood-based cooking, contributing to environmental conservation and promoting renewable energy solutions. President Ruto announced plans to expand the project to other schools nationwide, underscoring his administration’s commitment to sustainable energy.
The government’s investment in electricity connectivity in Garissa County is also significant. With KSh2 billion allocated to connect 15,000 households to the national grid, the initiative aims to improve living standards, enhance security, and stimulate local businesses. Electricity access is a key enabler of economic development, and this investment represents a major milestone in bridging the energy gap in underserved areas.
Additionally, President Ruto launched the construction of seven fresh produce markets in Garissa County, including the reconstruction of Soko Muqdi, which was destroyed in 2022. These markets will provide traders with modern facilities, boosting commerce and ensuring that local farmers have access to reliable marketplaces for their produce.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki lauded the President’s efforts in ensuring equitable resource distribution, emphasizing that development should not be dictated by political affiliations. He reiterated the government’s stance that all regions deserve equal opportunities for growth and progress.
Despite ongoing political realignments and the looming 2027 elections, President Ruto remains focused on delivering his campaign promises. His message has been clear: governance is about service delivery, not political maneuvering. By prioritizing national development and implementing policies that benefit all Kenyans, he continues to reinforce his administration’s commitment to a transformative agenda that uplifts all regions equally.
