Wajir governor Ahmed Abdullahi speaking at a function in
Wajir town on Saturday.
/STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
Hosting Madaraka Day in Wajir this year has left behind a lasting legacy that will benefit generations, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has said.
Speaking to the Star, he said the county has witnessed unprecedented development following the historic national celebrations, which marked the first time Madaraka Day was hosted in the northeastern region.
The governor said the event accelerated major infrastructure projects that have significantly improved the county's economic outlook and public services.
"Courtesy of hosting Madaraka Day 2026, this municipality and its environs have benefitted tremendously," Abdullahi said.
"Not only from this magnificent stadium but also from the construction of additional new roads, recarpeting of certain sections of existing roads, drainage works and the overlaying of the airport runway."
He described the newly constructed stadium as a symbol of hope and opportunity for the residents.
"As the governor of this great county, and on behalf of the residents and larger Northeastern region, I want to sincerely thank his Excellency President William Ruto for leaving behind a lasting legacy of hope and opportunities that will be remembered by generations to come,” he said.
Abdullahi, who is also the CoG Chair, highlighted the emergence of a vibrant digital economy in the county, particularly among young content creators who documented the construction process leading up to the national celebrations.
"Wajir content creators sprung up almost overnight and became famous by posting every stage of the construction of the stadium," he said.
"The event has demonstrated how national investments can unlock local talent, create jobs and inspire entrepreneurship among our youth."
Abdullahi also praised the President for fulfilling a commitment made during the launch of the Nyota Programme in Wajir on February 12.
"On the occasion of the launch of the Nyota Programme Wajir Chapter, the President committed to give the people of Wajir a commercial terminal and civilian access separate from the military gate, and he has delivered on that promise," he said.
The governor confirmed that expansion works at Wajir Airport were already underway.
The newly constructed Wajir stadium /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
"I confirm that the Kenya Airports Authority is actively on the ground working on this expansion plan," he said, adding that improved air connectivity would unlock investment opportunities and ease movement of people and goods.
Abdullahi further pointed to the ongoing Affordable Housing Programme as one of the most significant investments currently taking shape in the county.
"The Wajir Affordable Housing Project, which is the President's flagship transformative agenda, is creating jobs, expanding home ownership and injecting new life into our local economy. It easily stands out as the single largest real estate investment in our county," he said.
He noted that additional development projects, including markets and student hostels, were under construction across all constituencies, while the strategic Isiolo-Mandera Road project continued to take shape.
Turning to the region's economic backbone, the governor welcomed the establishment and operationalisation of the Livestock and Livestock Products Marketing Board, saying it would play a critical role in strengthening the pastoral economy.
"Let me also take this opportunity, on behalf of the people of Wajir and the entire Northeastern region, to express my deepest gratitude for the establishment and operationalisation of the Livestock and Livestock Products Marketing Board," he said.
Abdullahi observed that livestock production remains central to livelihoods across the region, contributing nearly 85 per cent of household incomes.
"Rangeland and pastoralism remain the backbone of our economy, contributing nearly 85 per cent of household income. There is still need for more investment in feedlots, livestock products, value addition, commercial dairy production and livestock cooperatives," he said.
Ruto has in the past promised to ensure that historically underserved regions receive equitable development and public investment.
In his Madaraka Day speech, the President said no part of the country will be left behind under his administration's development agenda.
"My government is committed to ensuring all regions enjoy equal opportunities and access to public services regardless of location," Ruto said.
"Under my government, no community will feel marginalised. We are accelerating development projects across the country because every Kenyan deserves equal opportunities regardless of where they live," he said.
Wajir governor Ahmed Abdullahi joins traditional dancers to a jig./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
