The government has set aside Sh780 million to connect over 9,000 homes to electricity in Elgeyo Marakwet County in the current financial year.
Speaking at Chesoi, Marakwet East sub-county, during a women empowerment programme, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki said the project had already been approved and its implementation is underway.
The DP said this will not only ensure that more Kenyans access clean energy but also enable youth with various skills to start income-generating activities, thus alleviating the unemployment problem facing many youths.
Prof. Kindiki said the government will complete all stalled roads due to non-payment and called on contractors to resume work while assuring residents that the government will complete the Kapyego-Chesoi and Chesoi-Tirap-Embobut roads in the county among others.
The DP commended all those who had embraced peace and surrendered illegal guns in the Kerio Valley saying they will conduct a major harambee to empower reformed criminals, as well as victims of insecurity in the area.
Kindiki said the economic recovery strategies put in place by the president had seen the International Monetary Fund (IMF) place the country as the 6th largest economy in Africa from position 8 surpassing Ethiopia and Angola.
“For the last three years, the economy of the country has improved and now we are heading to position 5. We want to leave it at position one by 2032,” he said.
The DP said this has seen the shilling improve from when it was exchanging at Sh165 to the dollar in 2022 to the current rate of Sh129, saying the shilling has continued to gain strength against international currencies.
He added that the reduction of fertilizer from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500 has seen farmers continue to increase production leading to reduction of food prices.
“When the president took over, fertilizer was selling at Sh7,000, which was beyond reach for many farmers. With the fertilizer currently selling at Sh2,500, it is more affordable to farmers, thus increasing food production,” he said.
Prof. Kindiki said the government was also making strides in the health sector, saying with only one year in existence, a total of 26.6 million Kenyans had registered for the Social Health Authority (SHA) saying the government was targeting to reach 45 million Kenyans next year and ultimately 55 million in 2027.
Speaking during the same function, Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen assured Kenyans that the police recruitment exercise will be free and fair saying the selection must be done and completed by 4.00pm.
“Everything will be done in the field and I am calling on residents to come in large numbers to witness the exercise and ensure that only those who qualify are recruited,” he said.
He however warned both wananchi and security personnel saying stern legal action will be taken against anyone giving or receiving a bribe during the exercise.
The president’s aide Farouk Kibet called for the withdrawal of the case challenging the police recruitment and called on the National Police Service Commission to leave the recruitment to the police.
By Alice Wanjiru
