President William Ruto has wrapped up a three-day development tour of Wajir and Garissa counties with a bold pledge to end decades of marginalisation in Northern Kenya, using the historic Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir to showcase billions of shillings worth of infrastructure projects that the government says will transform the region.
From roads and airports to electricity connections, housing developments and education investments, the President spent the better part of the tour inspecting projects that have become central to his administration's efforts to integrate Northern Kenya into the country's economic mainstream.
As he concluded the visit, Ruto declared that his government remained committed to ensuring no part of the country was left behind.
"We have concluded our three-day tour of Wajir and Garissa counties, reaffirming our commitment to ending the historical marginalisation of Northern Kenya through sustained investment in development programmes and infrastructure," the President said.
"We thank the people of Wajir and Garissa for their warm hospitality, support and engagement throughout the tour. Together, we will continue working to unlock the immense potential of Northern Kenya and ensure that no region is left behind in our country's transformation journey."
The President's visit culminated in the first-ever Madaraka Day celebrations to be held in Wajir County, an event laden with symbolism for a region that has long viewed itself as excluded from the country's development agenda.
Addressing thousands of residents and guests at the newly constructed Wajir Stadium, Ruto framed the celebrations as part of a broader national effort to correct historical injustices and bring government services closer to communities that have traditionally received limited state investment.
The centrepiece of the development drive is a series of transport infrastructure projects that government officials believe could fundamentally reshape the economic fortunes of Northern Kenya.
Among the projects inspected by the President was the 257-kilometre Lamu-Ijara-Garissa Road, a critical segment of the 453-kilometre Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Development Project.
The KSh17.9 billion road is expected to be completed early next year and is viewed by the government as one of the most strategic infrastructure investments in the region.
According to the President, the road will provide an alternative transport corridor linking the coast to Northern Kenya, enhance regional integration, strengthen security operations and serve as a crucial evacuation route connected to Lamu Port.
Analysts say the road could significantly boost trade, reduce transport costs and improve access to markets for pastoralist communities across the region.
The President also inspected progress on the expansion of Wajir International Airport, a project aimed at improving connectivity between North Eastern Kenya and the rest of the country.
Government officials say the upgraded airport will facilitate trade, investment and humanitarian operations while positioning Wajir as a key transport hub for the region.
The transformation of Wajir town ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations was evident in newly rehabilitated roads, improved drainage systems and upgraded public facilities.
At the heart of the changes stands the new Wajir Stadium, a modern sporting complex built to host the national celebrations and expected to serve as a lasting legacy project for the county.
Beyond transport infrastructure, the government highlighted progress in energy connectivity programmes designed to bring electricity to remote communities.
In Habaswein, the President commissioned a mini-grid and last-mile electricity project that will connect homes, schools, health facilities and businesses to reliable power.
Officials said the initiative forms part of a wider multi-billion-shilling programme intended to increase electricity access across Wajir County and stimulate local economic activity.
Affordable housing projects were also showcased during the tour, with hundreds of housing units under construction as part of the government's national housing programme.
The administration argues that the projects are creating employment opportunities while simultaneously addressing housing shortages in urban centres.
Education emerged as another key pillar of the government's agenda.
President Ruto announced plans to deploy more teachers to schools in North Eastern Kenya and increase investments in educational infrastructure to improve learning outcomes in the region.
He argued that expanding access to quality education was essential for addressing historical inequalities and creating opportunities for young people.
For many residents, however, the significance of the visit extended beyond the projects themselves.
The decision to take the country's second most important national celebration to Wajir was widely viewed as recognition of a region that has often felt forgotten by successive governments.
For decades, Northern Kenya has lagged behind the national average in key development indicators, with poor infrastructure, low electricity coverage and limited public investment frequently cited as evidence of historical neglect.
Political analysts say the President's decision to place Northern Kenya at the centre of the Madaraka Day celebrations sends a powerful political message about inclusion and national unity.
"The symbolism is significant," said political analyst Abdullahi Hassan. "Hosting Madaraka Day in Wajir and spending several days inspecting projects in the region demonstrates a deliberate effort to bring Northern Kenya into the centre of the national conversation."
Yet expectations remain high.
While residents welcomed the investments, many said the true measure of success would be the completion of promised projects and their impact on everyday life.
Business leaders expressed optimism that improved roads, electricity and transport links could unlock investment opportunities and create jobs for thousands of young people.
