By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, June 02, 2026 - Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jiir has lauded the government's growing investment in the northeastern region, saying the transformation taking place across the county demonstrates that the much-talked-about "journey to Singapore" is no longer a vision but a reality in the making.
Addressing President William Ruto during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations held at Wajir Stadium, Jiir pointed to major projects in housing, transport, education and trade that he said are reshaping the county's development trajectory and creating new economic opportunities for residents.
The celebrations were particularly significant for the vast northeastern region, which for decades remained on the margins of national development conversations and has never before hosted a national holiday celebration of such magnitude.
The governor recalled a commitment made during the President's visit to Wajir in February under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.
"Your Excellency, on the occasion of the launch of the NYOTA programme, when you were here last, on 12th February, you committed to give the people of Wajir a commercial terminal and civilian access separate from the military gate at our airport," the governor said.
"I confirm to you that Kenya Airports Authority is actively on the ground and working on this." He added
The proposed upgrade of Wajir Airport is expected to significantly improve civilian access and boost trade, travel and investment in a county that serves as a strategic gateway linking Kenya to Ethiopia and Somalia.
For years, residents have raised concerns over the airport's dual civilian-military operations, arguing that expanded civilian facilities would help unlock the region's economic potential.
The governor also highlighted the impact of the Affordable Housing Programme, one of President Ruto's flagship initiatives, saying it had become the largest real estate investment ever undertaken in the county.
"Your Excellency, the Affordable Housing Project, your flagship transformation agenda, is creating jobs, expanding home ownership, and injecting new life into our local economy," Jiir said.
Adding that It stands out as the single largest real estate investment in our county.
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The housing programme forms part of the government's broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to create employment opportunities while addressing Kenya's housing deficit.
Beyond housing, the governor pointed to a wave of public infrastructure projects currently being implemented across Wajir, including markets, student hostels, classrooms and science laboratories.
"Additionally, many markets and student hostels, classrooms and laboratories are under construction in all constituencies," he said.
Education remains one of the region's most pressing development priorities, with leaders repeatedly calling for increased investment in learning infrastructure to improve access and educational outcomes.
The governor also cited progress on the ongoing rehabilitation and upgrading of the Isiolo- Mandela Road, a key transport corridor expected to improve connectivity within the county and stimulate local commerce.
"This Isiolo-Mandela Road is ongoing, thanks to your leadership, and the journey to Singapore is truly on course because of you, Your Excellency," The governor echoed, referencing President Ruto's frequently cited vision of transforming Kenya into a globally competitive economy.
The national celebrations in Wajir were widely viewed as symbolic recognition of the growing importance of Kenya's northeastern region in the country's development agenda.
For many residents, the event represented more than a national holiday celebration. It was an acknowledgment of a region that has historically felt excluded from major national events and infrastructure investments.
As thousands gathered at Wajir Stadium to commemorate Kenya's 63 years of self-rule, the message from local leaders was clear, development projects currently underway are beginning to reshape the county's future, and the region expects continued government attention long after the Madaraka Day festivities have ended.