Kericho Senator who is also the Senate Majority Leader has called on Kenyans to embrace national unity and make informed electoral choices, saying inclusive governance is critical to accelerating development and fostering peaceful coexistence across the country.
Speaking at Siso in Soin Sigowet Constituency on Sunday, Cheruiyot said the primary responsibility of any government is to serve all Kenyans regardless of their political affiliation or region, adding that leaders must seek support from across the country in order to build an administration capable of delivering equitable development.
The Senator observed that while elected county leaders play an important role in advancing local development, some challenges facing Kericho County require the support and investment of the national government.
“My position as Senator alone cannot solve all the challenges facing the people of Kericho. That is why we must be part of the national government so that our people can benefit from socio-economic development programmes implemented across the country,” he said.
Cheruiyot noted that Kericho County has benefited from national government investments in key sectors, citing the construction and upgrading of tarmac roads, expansion of health facilities, development of schools and improvement of public markets, among other infrastructure projects aimed at improving livelihoods.
He emphasized that national cohesion remained the foundation of sustainable development, saying a united country creates an enabling environment for investment, economic growth and improved service delivery.
“We need to unite the country for national development. We must vote wisely to secure a government that will unite the nation,” he said.
The Senator also referred to the anti-government protests witnessed in June 2024, saying the demonstrations had created uncertainty and threatened national stability.
“You know what happened during the June 2024 protests that almost plunged the country into turmoil, and we do not want a repeat of the same,” he said, urging Kenyans to uphold peace, dialogue and constitutional means of resolving political differences.
Cheruiyot further attributed improved relations between communities in Kericho County and neighbouring areas around Sondu to the formation of the Broad-Based Government, saying the political arrangement had helped ease tensions and promoted peaceful coexistence.
He said the spirit of inclusivity should be strengthened nationally to enhance unity and accelerate development across all regions.
The Senator further pointed to the revival of the sugar industry in western Kenya as one of the notable achievements realized under the current administration.
According to Cheruiyot, sugar factories that had experienced years of operational and financial challenges, including Nzoia, Mumias, Sony and Chemelil sugar mills, have since resumed operations following government intervention.
He said reforms undertaken in the sector had restored confidence among farmers, increased factory operations and improved payment systems, with many growers now receiving payments within seven days after delivering their cane.
“The sugar sector, which had virtually collapsed, is today among the best-performing agricultural value chains because farmers are now being paid every seven days,” he said.
The government has in recent months undertaken reforms in the sugar industry aimed at reviving production, improving management of public sugar mills, reducing farmer payment delays and enhancing the competitiveness of the sector, which supports hundreds of thousands of livelihoods in western Kenya.
Cheruiyot urged Kenyans to safeguard the prevailing peace and unity, saying political stability remains essential for attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and sustaining the country’s development agenda.
By Kipngeno Korir
