Deputy President William Ruto has pledged to sign an agreement with the coastal region on economic reforms ahead of next year’s general election.
He met with a number of coastal political leaders and professionals on Saturday to design an agreement that would capture the economic aspirations and priorities of the region.
The DP said for a long period, it is Nairobi that has been deciding on key development projects that should be established at the Coast.
“This time round, we want to do it differently. I do not want to come to this region to prescribe government projects. We are now working together with Coast leadership to put a package that will be the charter that is going to be signed between me and the coastal people,” Ruto said.
"The issues of the blue economy, the ports of Mombasa and Lamu, youth unemployment, agriculture and small-scale businesses, will be captured in the charter."
He added that the charter will be a binding legal document between the Coast region and his administration if he forms government next year.
“We want to have a sit-down with the leadership and the people of the six counties of the Coast and agreed on the priorities of the Coast."
“I’m ready, as a presidential aspirant, to sign a charter on the economy between the administration that will be established next year and the coastal people,” he said.
In an interview with a local radio station in Mombasa on Sunday, the Deputy President confirmed the Saturday meeting took place, adding that they will have follow-up meetings to discuss the charter ahead of polls.
He said all the candidates who will vie on UDA at the Coast will also have to be taken through the charter.
“We will also need their input before the document is signed. Those who will be elected must believe in the document and be part of the implementation of the projects,” the DP said.
In his charm offensive mission to wrestle the region from ODM leader Raila Odinga, Ruto said he will strive to revive the region's economy.
The Jubilee administration has been blamed for crippling the Coast economy, which depends on transport, logistics and tourism.
The transfer of ports services from Mombasa to Nairobi and Naivasha inland container depots has been blamed for the dwindling fortunes of the region.
In his defence, Ruto said the SGR was never meant to cripple the region’s economy but to create employment opportunities, develop the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone and improve efficiency at the port of Mombasa.
“It was never the intention that SGR would bring down the economy of the Coast. In fact, the SGR was supposed to double the economy of Mombasa. Unfortunately, some cartels took advantage of the project and decided to make business out of it in a manner that has disadvantaged the people of Mombasa,” Ruto said.
He promised to reverse the losses that have been made by ensuring "the original intention of the SGR” is attained.
The DP arrived at the Coast on Thursday last week and has been to Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kilifi counties.
On Tuesday, he will be in Lamu county for a series of events before heading to Kirinyaga county on Wednesday for Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Edited by EKibii
