President Uhuru’s promise to North-Rift residents

By MICHAEL WESONGA

ELDORET, KENYA: Despite a fiery meeting in Eldoret Monday, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto outlined their developmental agenda for the North Rift as a way of returning the favour for the region votes in the March 4 polls.

Despite disquiet over alleged relegation of United Republican Party (URP) by The National Alliance (TNA) in government, Uhuru chose to whitewash the dissent by outlining a raft of development plans for the region in a bid to appease the Kalenjin community and cool their tempers.

“Our core mandate during the campaign was uniting all Kenyans whether we were to win or lose. So forming government was just a bonus besides maintaining peace," he observed.

He insisted that they had a clear framework for all that needed to be accomplished in the country in terms of infrastructure development to farming.

“We have already spoken to the Chinese government who have agreed to facilitate the expansion of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret on a piece of land that we have already sourced, is that not what you want?” Uhuru asked to the delight of the community.

The commander in chief added that it was time for farmers to benefit from their sweat as they were looking into expansion of the Rivatex East Africa Limited that was revived by Moi University.

He noted that the move will provide ready market for farmers venturing into cotton farming in the region besides creating enormous employment opportunities.

Uhuru also noted that they had already bought 40, 000 tonnes of subsidized fertilizer whereas another import of 100, 000 tonnes was expected in the country by February 5 next year to cushion farmers from production costs.

Fertilizer is essential to farmers in the North and South Rift regions and parts of Trans-Nzoia County that are the country’s core producers.

The president however took the opportunity to caution politicians from over indulgence in politics and unnecessary bickering all the time while urging parliament to quality pass bills that will uplift the living standards of Kenyans.

“Even though democracy guarantees freedom of expression, you must shun politics. The regular noises being made in the previous regime was the cause for stalled projects,” he explained.

Ruto reiterated that their intention above all else was to ensure Kenyans do not ever again fight and lose property and shed blood because of politics.

“We asked for God’s guidance, he heard our cry and granted us our pleas to the shock of the world,” he added.

The DP said they had many plans that he could not all mention at a go at the ceremony but asked for patience, humility and tolerance.

“I want to give you an assurance that we will deliver in terms of roads, hospitals, title deeds because that is the reason you elected us. We do not need to be told what to do because we are already aware,” affirmed Ruto.

He noted that the government had compensated all Mau and Embobut Forest evictees in the Rift Valley with Sh1.5 and SH1.2 billion respectively.

Further revealing that he had spoken to governors Jackson Mandago of Uasin Gishu and Nandi’s Cleophas Lagat and the respective legislators over settlement of Kipkurere and Serengonik Forest Evictees.

“We already have the funds for their resettlement but they took the case to court barring the process,” Ruto observed.

The URP leader was optimistic that the new railway will contribute two to two and a half percent to the economy once operational besides creating employment.