01/06/2026
NORTHERN KENYA'S MOMENT OF REDEMPTION:
RUTO OFFERS HISTORIC APOLOGY FOR DECADES OF MARGINALISATION AS GOVERNMENT UNVEILS MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS DURING MADARAKA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN WAJIR.
President William Ruto used the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County to deliver what he described as the most consequential speech of his political career, offering a historic apology to the people of Northern Kenya for decades of government neglect and marginalisation.
Addressing thousands of residents and leaders gathered in Wajir, the President acknowledged that successive governments had failed Northern Kenya following the policy direction established under Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965, which he said resulted in under-investment, exclusion, and missed opportunities for generations.
"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," President Ruto said.
He praised the resilience and patriotism of the region's residents, noting that despite decades of challenges, they remained committed to Kenya's development and unity.
The President said his administration is now pursuing a deliberate agenda aimed at correcting historical injustices and ensuring equitable development across the region.
In education, he announced the establishment of teacher training colleges in Wajir, Kotulo, and Mandera to complement the existing Garissa Teacher Training College. According to the President, more than 4,600 teacher trainees from Northern Kenya are currently enrolled, strengthening the region's human resource capacity.
Ruto also revealed that the Ministry of Education has been directed to develop a framework for integrating Duksi, Madrassa, and the Programme for Pastoral Instruction into Kenya's formal education system to better reflect local realities and cultural aspirations.
In healthcare, he said over 800,000 residents across the region have registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has already disbursed KSh8.1 billion in claims to hospitals in Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera counties.
The President further highlighted investments under the Affordable Housing Programme, noting that KSh38.5 billion has been allocated to projects across the three counties, creating employment opportunities for thousands of young people while stimulating local economies.
On infrastructure, Ruto said construction of the 750-kilometre Northern Kenya Gateway Corridor connecting Isiolo, Wajir, and Mandera is progressing steadily. The KSh100 billion project is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, and unlock economic opportunities across the region.
He also announced plans to establish a KSh5 billion County Livestock Investment Company that will support more than 350,000 pastoralists in 21 arid and semi-arid counties, enabling livestock keepers to participate more effectively in commercial value chains.
The Head of State emphasized that no region should be disadvantaged because of its geography, history, or political circumstances, describing Northern Kenya's transformation as a national priority.
"This is a new chapter for Northern Kenya. No part of Kenya should ever be left behind because of geography, history, or politics," he said.
The Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir marked the first time the national event was held in the region, symbolizing what many leaders described as a significant step toward inclusion and recognition of Northern Kenya's role in the country's development journey.
