Marsabit County Governor Mohamud Ali has commissioned the upgrading of the 38-kilometre Gatab road.
The governor said the project which is a collaboration between the county government and Lake Turkana wind power will change the face of the area and provide an inclusive, efficient and conducive business environment that will spur economic growth for the people.
He said the upgrading of Gatab Road is one of the major transformative infrastructural development undertaken in the Loiyangalani ward.
"The project is part of an elaborate plan by the county government to continually improve roads infrastructure as an enabler to socioeconomic development and improved livelihoods for all the residents," said Governor Mohamud
He described the upgrading of the road as the most important for the residents and expressed his immense gratitude for the partnership with Lake Turkana wind power.
The county government took the upgrading of 30 kilometres of the lower section of the mountain while Lake Turkana wind power dedicated their efforts to enhancing the 8 kilometres section of the upper mountain.
Governor regretted the condition of the road and commended the Lake Turkana wind power for the work they had done in the completion of the 8 kilometres complex section of the road.
The Lake Turkana wind power CEO Phylip Leferink expressed his delight to work with the county government in accomplishing the upgrading of the most dangerous road in the county and implementing the drainage system to prevent erosion during the rainy season.
He said they invested Sh125 million in upgrading Gatab Road.
The CEO of Lake Turkana wind power promised more development in the region as they previously focuses on education and water project.
He said the Lake Turkana wind power will support the county's annual cultural festival slated for November this year.
Marsabit County woman representative Naomi Jillo Wako promised to push for women and youth empowerment and asked for support from Lake Turkana wind power.
She said improving girls' education is her first top priority saying the girls have been disadvantaged in education because of backward social practices like FGM and early marriages.
"For decades, the girl-child has been disadvantaged in education. Families would rather educate boys and marry off the girls," she said
Wako, however, said the situation is changing as parents and guardians are beginning to appreciate the importance of educating both boys and girls and giving them equal opportunity.
"I commit myself to addressing issues affecting women and girls. We will empower them to boost socio-economic activities," Wako said.
She urged residents to register as united democratic alliance party members in the ongoing registration.
Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton urged Lake Turkana wind power to introduce a scholarship program so that students from disadvantaged families will get an opportunity to further their studies.
He thanked both the county and wind power for the upgrading of the 38-kilometre Gatab road and said it's a relief to the residents who suffered for many years.
County executive committee member for Road and public works Guyo Guracha said the upgrading of the roads to bitumen standards is meant to facelift the region.
He added that Governor Mohamud's administration has so far tarmacked more than 100 kilometres of the road across the county.
He said similar works have been done in other sub-counties with the aim of upgrading the roads to attract investors.
Lydia Leyaramu, a local, said the local traders can now access the market with ease thereby reducing transport expenses.
"I thanked the county government for working closely with Lake Turkana wind power to realize this development," she said
Simion Lenarokushu said the road has enabled ease of transportation of goods and services.
Governor Mohamud Ali has condemned the injuries and destruction of properties caused by the Azimio coalition protests.
He asked the Azimio leader to reconsider their stands and give his followers guidance on better ways of addressing their grievances with the government.
He regretted the action done by the Azimio coalition saying it negated the gains of development as well as destroying the economy.
He termed the protests as misguided and called on Azimio leaders to show patriotism by respecting the leadership of President William Ruto.
The county boss asked Marsabit residents to keep off demonstrations called by opposition leader Raila Odinga saying the demonstrations had nothing to do with the high cost of living.
The county chief accused Azimio leader Raila Odinga of inciting Kenyans against Ruto's administration and said he should be held accountable for the destruction of the property.
The governor who was elected under the UDM party has publicly declared his unwavering support for President William Ruto's administration saying he respected the decision of the Kenyans who voted for him.
He maintained that President Ruto will definitely take the county to the next level if given the requisite support by all.
"I want to assure the president of our sincere loyalty and support to his government as he continues to develop various development agendas," said Governor Ali
He criticized politicians from the region who are already engaged in succession politics and noted that such conversations are insensitive to the challenges faced by the people.
He reminded them that they were elected for a five-year term and should dedicate their efforts towards serving the electorates than indulging in early campaigns.
The governor emphasized his commitment to deliver on his promises by leaving a legacy in his second and final term in office and vowed to prioritize the development of Marsabit County by addressing the challenges faced by the residents.