Kipkelion East Member of Parliament (MP), Joseph Cherorot, has praised President William Ruto’s administration for accelerating development across the country, citing gains in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at Chepsinende School grounds, Cherorot said the President had demonstrated inclusive leadership by taking this year’s national celebrations to Wajir County, becoming the first Head of State to host the event in the historically marginalized North Eastern region.
He noted that the celebrations were accompanied by key government interventions, including the issuance of National Identity Cards and the roll-out of road infrastructure projects, aimed at improving access to services and economic opportunities.
Cherorot called on opposition leaders to support government programmes and allow the administration adequate time to implement its development agenda.
“The government should be given an opportunity to deliver on the mandate entrusted to it by Kenyans,” he said.
On healthcare, the MP said the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) had expanded access to medical services, particularly among vulnerable populations.
He, however, appealed for a reduction of monthly SHA contributions to Sh500 to make the scheme affordable to more households.
The legislator further disclosed that elderly persons would continue benefiting from free health insurance cover in addition to the monthly Sh2,000 stipend provided under government social protection programmes.
In the education sector, Cherorot said increased funding had enhanced student enrollment, improved teacher training, and facilitated the recruitment of teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.
He condemned rising cases of indiscipline in schools, particularly incidents involving arson, saying they posed a serious threat to the safety and welfare of learners.
The MP cited the recent dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students and left several others injured, calling for collective efforts by parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to nurture discipline among learners.
Cherorot also highlighted ongoing national infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway and plans to extend the railway network to Kisumu.
He said the projects would enhance mobility, lower transport costs and stimulate economic growth across the region.
At the Constituency level, the MP said more than 85,000 coffee and avocado seedlings had been distributed to farmers in Kipyemit and Kedowa, to boost agricultural productivity and household incomes.
He noted that agriculture remained the backbone of the local economy and pledged continued support to farmers through value-addition and diversification initiatives.
The Legislator further said significant progress had been made in improving learning infrastructure, with approximately 180 classrooms renovated through roofing, tiling and other improvement.
In the water sector, he said the number of boreholes in the Constituency had increased from two to 30 over the years, greatly enhancing access to clean and safe water.
He added that electricity connectivity had been extended to previously underserved areas, including Lamayat and Kwenet villages, improving livelihoods and supporting economic activities.
By Kipngeno Korir
