By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, July 13 ,2026 - President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to accelerating development in Northern Kenya, saying the government is working closely with regional leaders to end decades of marginalisation through targeted infrastructure and economic investments.
Speaking after meeting leaders from Isiolo, Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, Ruto said the government was implementing deliberate policies aimed at expanding access to essential services, creating jobs and unlocking the region's economic potential.
The meeting was attended by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif, Members of Parliament and other leaders.
"We are working closely with the leaders of Northern Kenya to address the challenges facing the residents in an effort to accelerate the region's transformation," Ruto said.
"Our deliberate policies are ending decades of marginalisation by ensuring equitable development, expanding access to essential services and creating more economic opportunities for the people."
The President said the recently established National Infrastructure Fund would play a key role in financing critical projects, particularly in energy generation, water harvesting and storage, and irrigation to support industrialisation and agricultural production across the arid and semi-arid counties.
He said the investments are intended to unlock the vast but largely untapped economic potential of Northern Kenya, where recurrent drought, poor infrastructure and limited public investment have historically slowed development.
The meeting comes as the government rolls out some of the region's largest infrastructure projects in decades, many of which are expected to transform transport, trade and access to public services.
Among the flagship projects is the Isiolo–Mandera road corridor, which passes through Merille, Marsabit, Turbi, Moyale, Wajir and Rhamu before reaching Mandera. The multi-billion-shilling highway is expected to improve connectivity with Ethiopia and Somalia while stimulating trade, tourism and investment across Northern Kenya.
The government is also implementing the long-awaited bridge linking Garissa and Tana River counties, a project expected to improve movement of people and goods and reduce travel disruptions during floods.
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Other ongoing investments include rural electrification, expansion of water supply systems, irrigation schemes, affordable housing, healthcare facilities and digital infrastructure, all aimed at integrating the region more closely with the rest of the country.
The administration has also prioritised the Northern Kenya transport network under the broader Horn of Africa economic integration agenda, with officials arguing that improved infrastructure will lower the cost of doing business and attract private investment.
The renewed focus on development is increasingly being viewed as reshaping the political landscape in a region that has traditionally voted as a bloc but has often complained of historical neglect by successive governments.
Political analysts say the visible implementation of long-awaited infrastructure projects, coupled with increased engagement between State House and regional leaders, could strengthen support for President Ruto ahead of the next General Election.
The President has made repeated visits to Northern Kenya since taking office, launching roads, health, education and water projects while pledging to ensure that residents enjoy equal access to development opportunities.
Regional leaders have largely welcomed the investments, describing them as long overdue interventions that could improve livelihoods, expand markets for livestock producers and reduce poverty in one of Kenya's most underserved regions.
For decades, residents of Northern Kenya have cited inadequate road networks, unreliable water supplies, limited electricity coverage and poor access to health and education services as key indicators of the region's marginalisation.
The government says its current investment strategy seeks to reverse that legacy by ensuring the region receives sustained public investment capable of driving long-term economic growth and social transformation.