Ruto pledges end to discrimination in Northern Kenya development

President William Ruto on Wednesday assured residents of Northern Kenya that the government will prioritise equitable development to boost the region's economic growth.

Speaking at Orahey Grounds in Wajir town during the second day of his tour of North Eastern Kenya, Ruto said his administration will not enforce policies that sideline the region.

"We will work with Wajir leaders and all leaders from North Eastern to develop this region and improve the fortunes of our people here," said Ruto.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government's vision of a united and prosperous nation would not be derailed.

"Those delaying the vision of a united and prosperous country do not have any agenda for our nation. We are asking those who don't agree with us to give their vision of a united and prosperous Kenya," noted Kindiki.

During the visit, Ruto announced the construction of the Isiolo-Mandera Road, saying it would open up the region and ease movement.

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He also commissioned the new Wajir County Assembly and Tarbaj Teachers Training College, launched the Shuublow Community and Secondary Electrification Project, inspected the proposed Wajir County Aggregation and Industrial Park, and launched the Livestock Vaccination Program.

At Orahey Grounds, Ruto signed a proclamation declaring an end to obstacles hindering residents from acquiring identification documents.

"We are ending today the discriminatory vetting and the many questions that have been asked the children and the people of Northern Kenya for them to acquire IDs and other identification documents," said Ruto.

He said the practice had made residents feel like non-citizens.

"This has gone on for over 60 years but we are ending this today for the people in the region to be treated like every other Kenyan," he added.

Kindiki termed the proclamation historic.

"Today's presidential proclamation to remove hindrances to the acquisition of the national ID and other identity documents for the people of Wajir and Northern Kenya is historic," said Kindiki.

He added that major development projects to boost the region's economy were being expanded and hastened.

 "The tarmacking of Isiolo-Mandera Road will go a long way in transforming the economy of Northern Kenya. The inclusion of Wajir in the national grid will also transform the county and Northern Kenya," he noted.