Ruto says he will empower communities to fight poverty

By Osinde Obare

United Republican Party (URP) presidential aspirant William Ruto says his government will target marginalised regions and economically empower affected communities. Mr Ruto said lack of development in arid and semi-areas had fuelled poverty and communal conflicts.

Ruto pledged that the URP Government will ensure food security is improved in marginalised areas through maximum exploitation of natural resources and embracing of sustainable agricultural practices. “My Government will give much focus on marginalised regions by empowering the communities to fight poverty and tame bloody conflicts,” he said. His leadership, he added, would identify and prioritise through adequate funding sustainable economic activities in marginalised regions. “We will introduce viable development projects to accelerate the economy in order to provide solutions to conflicts pitting the pastoralists,” he said. The Eldoret North MP who pitched tent in West Pokot promised his Government will put in place mechanism to end cattle rustling through improved livelihood.

Accompanied by Information and Communication minister Samuel Poghisio, he urged the Pokot to support URP and his presidential bid. Addressing a rally at Chepareria Township, Ruto said his Government would prioritise education and agriculture in West Pokot County to tackle poverty and harmful cultures. “If you elect me President, I will ensure the available resources are tapped and establish light industries to enable the region gain economic milestones,” he said.

URP Government, he said, will ensure implementation of its policies to spur development in the country and liberate Kenyans from poverty. Ruto said apart from the Constituency Development Fund, his Government would set aside a revolving fund where the youth and women will secure loans and repay back without interest. The loans, he said, would support youth and women initiate income-generating projects in order to improve their lives.