Ruto Pledges to Fast-Track Development Projects in Turkana, Cites Huge Economic Potential
In a statement shared after the meeting, President Ruto said his government has agreed with the leaders from the county to accelerate the completion of ongoing development projects across the devolved unit.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unlocking the vast economic potential of Turkana County, saying the region is endowed with immense natural resources that must be fully harnessed for the benefit of residents and the country at large.
The Head of State spoke on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, when he met Members of Parliament from Turkana County to discuss development priorities and chart a way forward for the county which has for decades lagged behind due to marginalization, insecurity and harsh climatic conditions.
In a statement shared after the meeting, President Ruto said his government has agreed with the leaders from the county to accelerate the completion of ongoing development projects across the devolved unit.
“Turkana County is endowed with vast natural resources and immense economic potential that must be fully harnessed for the residents and, indeed, the entire country. We have agreed with the leaders from the county to accelerate the completion of ongoing development projects, including affordable housing, student hostels, modern markets, fishing infrastructure, and road and water development,” President Ruto said.
Among the key projects discussed were the Affordable Housing Programme currently being rolled out in Lodwar town, construction of modern hostels for students in Turkana University and other tertiary institutions, and the development of modern markets to boost trade and support small-scale traders.
The President also noted that the government will prioritize fishing infrastructure around Lake Turkana to enable fishermen to earn better returns from their catch. For years, fishermen in Turkana have decried lack of cold storage facilities and poor roads, leading to huge post-harvest losses.
The meeting also delved into the critical issue of roads and water. President Ruto assured the leaders that his administration will fast-track the tarmacking of key roads linking Turkana to neighboring counties and complete stalled water projects, including dam construction and borehole drilling, to address perennial water scarcity.
President Ruto further emphasized that security, peace and cohesion remain critical enablers in unlocking Turkana’s full potential and creating opportunities for its people. Turkana has faced persistent challenges of inter-communal conflicts and cross-border insecurity, which have hampered development.
“Security, peace and cohesion remain critical enablers in unlocking Turkana’s full potential and creating opportunities for its people. Pleased to meet MPs from Turkana to discuss priorities for the county and reaffirm our commitment to inclusive development and improved livelihoods for the citizens,” he added.
Leaders from Turkana who attended the meeting welcomed the President’s commitment and pledged to work closely with the national government to ensure projects are completed on time. They also called for additional investment in oil and mineral exploitation in Turkana, which they said could transform the county’s economy if well managed.
Turkana County is home to massive oil deposits in the South Lokichar basin, vast geothermal potential and Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake, yet poverty levels remain high.
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