CS Duale reaffirms North Eastern support for Ruto, credits government transformation

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the North Eastern region’s strong backing for the President William Ruto administration, citing the government’s commitment to improving key sectors and addressing long-standing concerns affecting local communities.

Speaking in Masalani Town while accompanying the President on a development tour, Duale, one of Ruto's key political figures in the region, highlighted the government’s ongoing investment in critical sectors, saying such efforts are not taken for granted.

“It is only under your government that we have witnessed real transformation. Key road projects that will open up our region, including ongoing works along the Northern Corridor, are enough evidence of your administration’s dedication to transforming the region,” Duale said.

Duale also lauded the recent decision to scrap the vetting process for the issuance of national identity cards, a practice long viewed by residents as discriminatory. He said the move had restored dignity and a sense of belonging among the communities.

“For the first time, our people feel like true Kenyans,” Duale said, noting that the step had removed a major barrier that for years had hindered access to basic services and opportunities.

He assured the President of overwhelming support for his re-election, saying the region recognises and appreciates the changes the administration has initiated.

President Ruto reiterated his government’s resolve to remove obstacles that have historically sidelined the region. He emphasised that eliminating the vetting requirement was intentional and aimed at ensuring fairness and inclusivity.

He urged residents to fully take advantage of the simplified process and apply for their national identification cards, saying the documents are essential for participating fully in national programs and opportunities.

“We have removed vetting, and we have also removed the money that was required for one to get an ID. So, I don’t know what else you want me to do,” the President said.

He added that his administration is committed to empowering young people.

“Everything we are doing as a government is for our children. We are spending Sh700 billion, 30 per cent of our budget, for the benefit of our young people. It is the responsibility of the government to look after them because we want to have a very strong foundation for our families,” President Ruto said.

He further noted that his administration has made a deliberate effort to invest in infrastructure across the country, describing the sector as key to national growth.

“When I took over in 2022, the road from Lamu to Garbatulla through Garissa was supposed to be a marram road. I asked the then minister of roads to change that, and today we are tarmacking 410 km of road from Lamu–Ijara–Garissa–Garbatulla, which is 50 per cent complete,” President Ruto said.

“We are mapping out 28,000 kilometres around Kenya. We must add enough kilometres for this region, which has been left behind. There is no way we are going to develop Kenya if we cannot connect every part of the country,” he added.