Ruto: Let's unite and push forward our development agenda

President William Ruto emphasised Monday the importance of politicians to unite towards addressing issues affecting Kenyans.

Speaking in Tana River during the last leg of his coastal region tour, Ruto told the leaders to shun popularity contests and instead focus on serving the electorates.

He said despite coming from different political formations, there was a need for them to put the interests of the country ahead by embracing unity and teamwork to push forward the country's development agenda.

“We must always put the unity of the country and the interests of Kenyans first and not our own as leaders," he said.

The President spoke during the opening of Pwani School for the Mentally Challenged Tuition Block and the laying of the foundation stone for Nyali Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nyali, Mombasa County.

At the same time, Ruto said the government will increase acreage under irrigation in arid and semi-arid areas to address food insecurity in the country.

He said Sh450 million has been allocated to Bura and Tana Delta irrigation projects to boost food production.

"We are committed to producing enough food and eliminating the shame of hunger in our country," said President Ruto.

Earlier on, the head of state visited Ngao Secondary School in Garsen where he announced that Sh400 million will be used to connect 6,000 households to power under the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Programme in the area.

Noting that Tana River was prone to floods during the rainy season, President Ruto announced that affected residents would be moved to safer areas.

"The government is also building four markets in the county for KSh250 million to improve the working environment for small-scale traders, including mama mboga and boda bodas," he said.

The president was accompanied by Governor Dhadho Godhana, several MPs and MCAs.