By Ahmed Salat Aaran Tv Ke
President William Ruto has described the 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County as the most significant national event of his political career, saying the occasion marks a decisive step toward correcting decades of historical injustices suffered by the people of Northern Kenya.
Speaking during the national celebrations in Wajir, the President acknowledged that residents of the region had endured years of marginalisation, neglect, and underdevelopment following policy decisions made shortly after independence.
"The historic Madaraka Day celebration in Wajir County is, without question, the most consequential of my lifetime and political career. Today, we are confronting and correcting a historical injustice that has endured for more than six decades," President Ruto said.
The Head of State noted that the implementation of Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965 contributed to decades of under-investment and exclusion in Northern Kenya, denying generations of residents opportunities enjoyed elsewhere in the country.
In a rare and emotional address, President Ruto formally apologised to the people of Northern Kenya on behalf of the Government and the Republic of Kenya.
"I extend my sincere apology to the people of Northern Kenya for the hardships and exclusion you have endured over the years. Your resilience in the face of these challenges is a testament to the strength and patriotism of this region," he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration's commitment to fostering equity and inclusive development, highlighting key projects currently transforming the region.
In the education sector, the government has established teacher training colleges in Wajir, Kotulo, and Mandera to complement Garissa Teacher Training College. More than 4,600 teacher trainees from the region are currently enrolled in various institutions.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education has been directed to develop a framework for integrating Duksi, Madrassa, and the Programme for Pastoral Instruction into the national education system to better reflect local realities and aspirations.
On healthcare, President Ruto revealed that more than 800,000 residents across Northern Kenya have registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA). He noted that the agency has already disbursed KSh8.1 billion in claims to hospitals in Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera counties, improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
The President also highlighted investments under the Affordable Housing Programme, where KSh38.5 billion is being spent across the three counties to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
On infrastructure development, he said the 750-kilometre Northern Kenya Gateway Corridor linking Isiolo, Wajir, and Mandera is progressing steadily. The KSh100 billion project is expected to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and unlock the region's economic potential.
Further, the government is establishing the KSh5 billion County Livestock Investment Company, a flagship initiative aimed at supporting more than 350,000 pastoralists in 21 arid and semi-arid counties. The programme will enable communities to own livestock enterprises and derive greater value from the livestock sector.
President Ruto emphasised that the projects form part of a broader national agenda to ensure no region is left behind.
"No part of Kenya should ever be left behind because of geography, history, or politics," he declared.
The 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir will be remembered as a historic moment, not only for the President's apology but also for the government's renewed commitment to addressing decades of inequality and accelerating development across Northern Kenya.
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