Governor Khalif hails Roba for laying foundation for Mandera

Mandera Governor Adan Khalif has promised to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Ali Roba in the execution of his duties.

The  outgoing governor campaigned for Khalif to defeat rivals who included former Industrialisation and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed and former CAS Hassan Noor.

Speaking to the press in Mandera town on Monday, the former county assembly speaker who last week took the oath of office along side Deputy Governor Mohamed Ali praised Roba who, he said, had laid a strong foundation.

“I am taking over the reins of power from my brother and comrade His Excellency captain Ali Ibrahim Roba and I take this opportunity to thank him immensely for having laid a solid foundation for Mandera county government,” Khalif said. 

“I will tread on the footsteps of this illustrious man who, by Allah’s will and grace, has been elected the Senator of Mandera county. He served as governor with unwavering reliance, patriotism and restored Mandera on the map of Kenya for the right reasons," the incoming governor said. 

"He stood for the cause of Mandera people and helped to institutionalise devolution in the frontier counties.” 

Khalif said Roba had not only left a rich legacy and a firm foundation, but the people of Mandera have a party where they have a sense of belonging and ownership.

The new county chief said government will be representative of the faces of the people of Mandera and Kenya, and promised to ensure the residents get quality and efficient services going forward.

“ Let us face the challenges facing our county with courage and confidence, and through principles, policies and programmes that will uplift our people out of poverty,” he said.

An estimated 300,000 residents of Mandera live below poverty line according to the latest figures of Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

On education, he promised to equip all ECDE centres and introduce feeding programmes for  younger learners. 

To address unemployment among the youth which has remained a big challenge in the county, Khalif said they intend to create an environment that will open up Mandera job market with at least 10,000 jobs available for the youth in the next five years.

“My administration will be an equal opportunities employer for all residents without favouring families or clans. We target to create 2,000 jobs for the youth each year jointly with stakeholders and the private sector,” he said.

(edited by Amol Awuor)