Speaking before thousands of residents at Wajir Stadium, the President made a historic apology to the people of Northern Kenya for years of neglect by successive governments and pledged that no region would be left behind in the country's development journey.
Among the key promises announced was a massive infrastructure programme anchored on the Northern Kenya Gateway Corridor, a 750-kilometre road network linking Isiolo, Wajir and Mandera. The government said the project will improve connectivity, boost trade, and open up the region to greater economic opportunities. The President also pledged major investments in water and irrigation projects, announcing plans to develop 50 mega dams, 200 medium and small dams, and thousands of micro-dam projects across the country. He said the initiative would bring millions of acres under irrigation and enhance food security while creating jobs for local communities.
In the education sector, Ruto directed the Ministry of Education to develop a framework that will integrate madrasa and home-based learning systems into Kenya's formal education structure. The move is expected to expand access to education, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities. The Head of State further announced the deployment of additional agripreneurs to Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties to support pastoralists, improve livestock production, connect farmers to markets, and strengthen climate resilience.