President William Ruto on Tuesday concluded a three-day development tour of Wajir and Garissa counties, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transforming Northern Kenya through major investments in infrastructure, education, water, housing, and economic development.
The tour culminated in Eldas Constituency, Wajir County, where the President launched and inspected several flagship projects aimed at accelerating growth and improving the livelihoods of residents across the region.
Among the key milestones was the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of 580-bed student hostels at Eldas Teachers Training College. The project forms part of the Government’s broader KSh15 billion investment package in Wajir County, which also includes the construction of 18 modern markets, 2,000-bed student hostels, and 4,600 affordable housing units.
President Ruto also commissioned the KSh460 million Eldas Water Supply Project, a critical initiative expected to improve access to clean and reliable water for thousands of residents. In a further boost to water development, he pledged an additional KSh900 million to expand water infrastructure and enhance access across the county.
Addressing residents in Eldas town, the President called on parents across Northern Kenya to take advantage of the Government’s growing investment in education by ensuring that all school-going children are enrolled and remain in school. He emphasized that education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming communities and unlocking future opportunities for young people.
The President noted that improved security in Northern Kenya has created a conducive environment for economic activities, investment, and development. He said the region is now better positioned to harness its vast economic potential and contribute significantly to the country’s growth.
As part of the tour, President Ruto inspected progress on the 257-kilometre Lamu-Ijara-Garissa Road, a key component of the 453-kilometre LAPSSET Corridor Development Project. The KSh17.9 billion road project is expected to be completed early next year and will serve as an alternative transport corridor, strengthen regional integration, enhance security, and provide a strategic evacuation route linked to Lamu Port.
The President also inspected the ongoing construction of the 64-kilometre Tarbaj-Kotulo section of the Isiolo-Mandera Road, which forms part of the ambitious 750-kilometre Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project. The KSh100 billion corridor traverses Isiolo, Meru, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties and is designed to improve connectivity within Northern Kenya while linking Kenya to neighbouring Ethiopia and Somalia.
According to the Government, the project will reduce transport costs, ease the movement of people and goods, expand market access, and boost cross-border trade, particularly in the livestock sector, which remains a key economic pillar for the region. More than 11 contractors have been engaged on different sections of the corridor to ensure timely completion.
Concluding the tour, President Ruto expressed confidence that the ongoing investments and infrastructure projects would unlock Northern Kenya’s immense economic potential and accelerate development across the region. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to addressing historical marginalisation through sustained investment in key sectors and thanked residents of Wajir and Garissa for their support and engagement throughout the visit.