DP Kindiki: All 47 counties now included in national development

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said that all parts of the country are now fully included in national development programmes, ending years of regional discrimination.

Speaking during a visit to Marsabit, Kindiki assured residents that the government is committed to ensuring equal development across all 47 counties.

“There is no single national programme that is not taking place here in Marsabit and all the 47 counties of our country. That is how you build a strong country,” he said.

He noted that the days when some regions were ignored in matters of development are over.

“The history of discrimination where some regions were set aside and left behind in terms of development is long gone. Now is the time to bring equality all around, as Kenya belongs to us all,” Kindiki said.

His remarks come amid increased efforts by the government to roll out infrastructure, security, and economic initiatives in historically marginalised areas.

The DP noted that with the newly enacted law, the government is now fast-tracking the process of issuing IDs to residents of the Northeastern and the Coastal regions.

He noted that the law removed the additional process residents of the two regions had to undergo to acquire national ID cards.

“I want to assure you that we are going to continue with the programme of speeding up the acquisition of ID cards. In just two weeks, we were able to register nearly 15,000 new people with IDs in this area.”

In a significant move dated February 5, 2025, President William Ruto abolished the extra vetting requirements that had targeted residents of border counties, requirements previously seen as discriminatory and exclusionary.

Kindiki also noted that the region has become more peaceful compared to when the Kenya Kwanza administration came into office.

“I thank God that Marsabit is now peaceful, and we pray it stays that way so you can live in peace, grow your county and live like the rest of the Kenyans.”