By Ebi Kesiena
Kenyan President, William Ruto, has asserted that the government has successfully stabilised the country’s economy and will now focus on implementing key development projects.
President Ruto made the remarks during a working visit to the Kerio Valley in Tot, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, on Tuesday.
According to President Ruto, over the past two years, key development programmes had stalled due to economic challenges. However, he noted that despite these challenges, the government has made significant progress in the economy, security, agriculture, healthcare, education, and electricity connectivity, among other sectors.
“Now that we have stabilised our economy, we can now engage much more robustly in the development of infrastructure,” he said.
“I want to tell Kenyans that Kenya is going places. We are going to change the destiny of this country,” he added.
Present alongside the President were Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Governors Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo-Marakwet), Simon Kachapin (West Pokot), and Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), as well as Members of Parliament.
Lamenting food shortages, President Ruto recalled that upon assuming office slightly over two years ago, the country was grappling with food shortages that had led to increased food prices and public protests.
He stated that effective planning and the subsidised fertiliser programme have significantly boosted food production, resulting in a reduction in the cost of living.
On security, President Ruto said his government’s efforts to counter threats to the country have borne fruit and will continue until every region is secure.
He highlighted that, in addition to addressing banditry in the Kerio Valley, the government would ensure that health facilities, schools, and other social amenities are restored in the region.
He promised that the government would reopen schools that were closed during the period of severe insecurity and banditry in the region.
“In the next three months, all the schools must be reopened, and all children must be back to school,” he said.
He also pledged that this year, Kenyans will witness the implementation of various programmes.
Meanwhile, West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin called on leaders to foster peace and co-existence among the various groups living in the Kerio Valley to ensure sustainable harmony.
