The government has launched major development projects across the Coast region in a bid to uplift an area that has long faced economic marginalization and underdevelopment, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said.
DP Kindiki said the government is focusing on key infrastructure initiatives to improve living standards and boost local economies throughout the region.
Speaking on Wednesday during an economic empowerment forum for women and small-scale traders at Garsen grounds in Tana River County, Kindiki stressed the government’s commitment to equitable distribution of national resources.
“Tana River will not be left behind in development and economic empowerment.,” he said.
“This time round the country must develop equally and Tana River as well as other areas in the coastal region that have been underdeveloped for many years, we must make sure we work shoulder to shoulder for access to equal development.”
Markets, Roads, Power, and Tech Labs
Kindiki outlined several ongoing development initiatives in Tana River County aimed at accelerating growth and empowering the youth with skills to improve their livelihoods.
He announced the construction of modern markets in Garsen, Hola, Bangale, and Mandogo towns. These markets, he said, are being equipped with essential facilities, including spacious stalls, cold storage rooms, lactation rooms, social halls, and ICT hubs to support local trade and services.
The government has also established a Jitume Lab at Garsen Technical Institute, fully equipped with 100 computers to enhance digital skills among students. Additionally, it is building 580 hostel units at the same institution under the affordable housing program to support access to technical education.
“We have also invested Ksh.151 million in grants to expand and empower fishermen and beach management units at Kipini in Tana River in order to improve their income and lives,” Kindiki said.
With last-mile electricity connections still lagging in Tana River County, the government has allocated Ksh.205 million for Garsen constituency, Ksh.211 million for Bura, and Ksh.36 million for Galole to accelerate rural electrification.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki acknowledged the disparity in funding and assured residents that he would engage President William Ruto to push for increased allocations across the three constituencies.
“I promise you, we will talk to the President so we can increase the allocation for Galole and the other two constituencies because Tana River has been marginalized for long and deserves higher allocation,” he pledged.
To further enhance connectivity and economic growth, the government has also set aside Ksh.411 million to complete the Garsen-Witu-Mukowe Road, a crucial link between Tana River and Lamu counties.
Kindiki Vows Loyalty to President and Wananchi
Kindiki praised the inclusive nature of the current administration, saying it has created the right environment for balanced national development.
“We are in the broad-based government and we have agreed to work together for a one nation, one flag, one people,” he said. “That is the way to go because we don’t want to divide the country along tribal, region or religious lines.”
Kindiki at the same time reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President William Ruto and to the people of Kenya, saying he would remain a “Yes man” to both, always guided by the will of the wananchi.
He emphasized that the government’s empowerment programs are meant to uplift citizens now, not just during election seasons.
“The empowerment program is aimed at supporting wananchi now, not to wait until elections. We will stand with them all the time as we promised during campaigns,” he said.
Kindiki also urged residents to reject leaders who promote division and tribalism, saying such figures have no place in modern Kenya.
“We cannot entertain tribalism again in this country,” he declared. “The tribalists will come here but tell them you are for one Kenya and you would not accept to be divided along tribal lines.”
