- “We must decisively deal with criminals who undermine our peace, education and economic activities.”
- “Our plan is to invest in these regions so that Kenya moves forward uniformly.”
Image: PCS
The government is determined to change the face of Kerio Valley and other parts of the country ravaged by banditry and other forms of insecurity, President William Ruto has said.
“We will change the face of Tiaty, Baringo County, other regions in Kerio Valley and all marginalised areas so that all our children can access equal opportunities," he assured.
He cited the launch of Kenya Medical Training and TVET colleges as some of the initiatives the government was pursuing to transform marginalised parts of Kenya.
“Our plan is to invest in these regions so that Kenya moves forward uniformly," he explained.
The President cited the investment in the Silale geothermal project, saying it would create employment for the youth and change the lifestyle of the local people.
Ruto made the remarks on Friday during a development tour of Baringo County.
He inspected the construction of the North Rift Technical and Vocational College and opened the institution’s Konza Digital Skills Laboratory in Tiaty Constituency.
He also launched the Kenya Medical Training College at Chemolingot and issued title deeds to more than 2,530 people.
The President was accompanied by Governors Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo) and Wisely Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet) and MPs and MCAs.
Ruto noted that the development of geothermal power in Baringo is a major investment that will attract investors in green manufacturing and position the county as a leading manufacturing hub in Kenya.
The President urged local leaders to desist from archaic politics that thrives on incitement and violence.
“We must unite, work together and invest more in education so that we can empower everyone," he told the residents.
“We must decisively deal with criminals who undermine our peace, education and economic activities,” Ruto said.
He said military barracks would be built in those areas to enforce security and rebuild education and health infrastructure.
The President explained that only through the transformation of the North Rift region will the problem of insecurity be eliminated.
The Head of State singled out the Sh45 billion Ortum Cement Factory in West Pokot as one of the biggest investments, which is transforming the economy of that county and the country.
"We are initiating development projects that are transforming the economy of the Kerio Valley counties of Turkana, Samburu, West Pokot, Baringo and Elgeyo-Marakwet to eradicate banditry and cattle rustling," he said.
The President also launched the Last Mile Water Connectivity Programme in Muserech, Eldama Ravine Constituency.
This project will supply water from the Chemusu Dam to residents of Baringo and Nakuru counties for domestic use, livestock and irrigation.
Chemususu Dam in Baringo County is the biggest in the Rift Valley and the third largest in the country after Ndakaini in Mùrang'a and Sasumwa in Nyandarùa.