Northern Kenya Rallies Behind Ruto as Mandera Visit Showcases Development Push and Women Empowerment Drive

By Ahmed Salat Ali | Political Affairs

MANDERA, Kenya — President William Samoei Ruto received a resounding endorsement from leaders across Northern Kenya during a high-profile visit to Mandera County, where he presided over a major women’s empowerment fundraiser and unveiled a raft of development initiatives aimed at transforming the historically marginalised region.

The event, held at Mandera Stadium, brought together governors, senators, MPs and grassroots leaders from across the ASAL counties, who unanimously pledged their support for the President’s re-election bid, citing visible progress and increased inclusion in the national development agenda.

“This region has no apologies in declaring support for a second term,” said Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jiir. “Your actions have demonstrated a genuine commitment to bridging the development gap between Northern Kenya and the rest of the country.”

Women Empowerment Takes Centre Stage

The highlight of the visit was a women’s empowerment fundraiser organised by Mandera Senator Ali Ibrahim Roba through the Ali Roba Foundation. The initiative seeks to strengthen livelihoods and expand economic opportunities for women across the county.
Leaders hailed the programme as a transformative step toward grassroots empowerment.

“Women are the backbone of our communities. Investing in them is investing in the stability and prosperity of our society,” said Mandera

Woman Representative Umulkheir Kassim.
She added that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of enhancing access to capital, enterprise support and sustainable livelihoods for women.

Development Agenda Gains Momentum

President Ruto used the occasion to outline key infrastructure and social development projects underway in the region, describing them as part of a deliberate strategy to address decades of marginalisation.

“We are correcting 60 years of neglect by accelerating critical infrastructure and rolling out targeted government programmes,” the President said.

Among the flagship projects highlighted were:
Installation of new power generators, including nine in Mandera County, alongside plans to connect the region to the Ethiopian electricity grid, Construction of the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera road, Expansion of large-scale irrigation under the National Infrastructure Fund, Recruitment of 1,800 local teachers to strengthen education systems.

The President also inspected ongoing projects in Banissa Constituency, including the Banissa Water Supply Project, now 85 per cent complete and expected to serve over 1,500 households, a 60-unit police housing project, and a modern market set to accommodate more than 200 traders by June 2026.

Health and Social Protection Gains

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale highlighted progress under the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting significant disbursements to Northern counties.

“Since inception, Mandera has received KSh 4 billion, Garissa KSh 3.5 billion and Wajir KSh 1.3 billion,” he said. “We urge residents to register in large numbers to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.”

He added that over 30.5 million Kenyans have already registered under the programme nationwide.

Call for Unity and Inclusion

Leaders also called for greater civic participation, urging residents to take advantage of the Presidential directive removing extra vetting requirements for national ID issuance and to actively engage in voter registration.

Eldas MP Aden Keynan appealed for unity within the Somali community ahead of the upcoming national census.

“We must embrace one collective identity to strengthen our voice and representation,” he said.

Political Backing Solidifies

The gathering doubled as a show of political strength, with regional leaders firmly backing President Ruto’s leadership.

Mandera North PPG Chairman Bashir Abdullahi declared, “Two terms for President Ruto is inevitable.”

Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, alongside other regional leaders, commended the President for fostering inclusivity and ensuring equitable distribution of national resources.

A United Front for the Future

In his closing remarks, President Ruto emphasised national unity as the cornerstone of Kenya’s progress.

“Our unity is our greatest strength. We must reject anything that seeks to divide us and instead work together to build a future that serves every Kenyan,” he said.

The President also attended a thanksgiving ceremony hosted by Banissa MP Ahmed Maalim Hassan, further cementing his engagement with local leadership and communities.

The Mandera visit not only underscored the government’s renewed focus on Northern Kenya but also signalled a growing political alignment in the region, as leaders rallied behind a shared vision of inclusive growth, empowerment and long-term socio-economic transformation.