SOUTH HORR, SAMBURU — President William Ruto says it will be Government policy that Kenya’s minerals and natural resources are processed and value-added locally to create jobs and ensure Kenyans benefit from natural wealth.
Speaking on Sunday at Devolution Principal Secretary Michael Lenasalon’s thanksgiving in South Horr, Samburu North, Ruto said local processing will spur enterprise and ensure natural resources benefit Kenyans alongside investors.
The President said his government is building a Kenya where development reaches every corner, guided by constitutional principles of equity, inclusivity and sustainable development.
“We are investing Sh4.8 billion to develop and improve roads, opening up the county to trade, investment and opportunity,” Ruto said, noting the investment in Samburu is part of ensuring no region is left behind.
He said the government is also expanding electricity connectivity, access to clean water and investing in education as the great equaliser to give every child a fair chance regardless of birthplace.
“Our goal is equity and equality in Kenya’s development so that every region and every community has access to infrastructure, services and opportunities to prosper. No part of Kenya will be left behind,” he said.
He said his government is investing Sh4.8 billion to develop and improve roads in Samburu County to open up the county to trade, investment and opportunity. “We are investing Sh4.8 billion to develop and improve roads, opening up the county to trade, investment and opportunity,” Ruto said, adding the state is also expanding electricity connectivity, access to clean water and investing in education as the great equaliser.
On local infrastructure, the President said the 210-km Maralal-Baragoi road will be graveled, with Sh100 million already released to start works, following complaints by residents that poor roads hamper livestock, goods and services during rains. He also pledged Sh50 million for tree seedlings for Mt Nyiro and urged youth to lead conservation efforts for pastoral communities, and Sh10 million to support the Catholic priest in South Horr for his community work.
Leaders present included Defence CS Soipan Tuya, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit, Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, and host PS Michael Lenasalon, who thanked Ruto for his appointment.
Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda appealed to Ruto to intensify the fight against cattle rustling and banditry, saying families remain displaced despite improved security, with rustling worsening poverty. She cited the July raid in Nolkera, Samburu West that killed three herders, and last year’s Charda ambush on a convoy ferrying remandees that killed police officer Humphrey Oroba.
Governor Lelelit pledged support for Ruto’s second term, saying if it was within his powers he would amend the Constitution to allow Ruto beyond two terms, while Governor Mohamud Ali asked that host communities benefit proportionally from projects like the 310MW Lake Turkana Wind Power in Loiyangalani, noting peace between Marsabit and Samburu.
