NAIROBI, September 7 – The government has committed to fast-tracking infrastructural development and opening up the North Rift Region, to bring it up to par with the rest of the country.
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka told a gathering in Kacheliba constituency on Saturday that the government would focus on improving security and the communication network.
Musyoka regretted that the poor state of roads and telecommunications was a hindrance to faster development.
“We will ensure that wananchi (citizenry) in this region enjoy good road network, mobile telephony and access to television services like other Kenyans,” Musyoka said.
The Vice President added that as the world was going ICT, no part of the country should lag behind.
The North Rift is dominated by pastoralists who have suffered under the hands of bandits from neighbouring communities and countries, who have stolen hundreds of heads of cattle.
The road network on the other hand is wanting and access to basic services remains a nightmare for many.
Musyoka has promised that the government would move fast to establish the necessary administrative and social institutions such as courts, schools and hospitals in order to render better services to the residents of the newly-created district.
The VP nevertheless challenged Pokot leaders to work together and help the community tackle poverty as well as fast-track development in the area.
He was speaking during the homecoming ceremony of the Information and Communications Minister Samuel Poghisio, whose re-election he described as a clear manifestation of the constituents’ confidence in him.
Musyoka also welcomed Poghisio’s declaration that he would gun for the ODM-Kenya 2012 presidential candidature, and said it was time for Kenyans to discard the notion that only individuals from major tribes could seek the presidency.
He used the occasion to congratulate Kenyan athlete Pamela Jelimo for winning the IAAF golden league jackpot of $1 million and challenged the youth to rededicate themselves to sports.
“Sports is no longer a leisurely undertaking but a lucrative business that has economically transformed the lives of many.”
The VP pledged that the government would continue supporting upcoming sporting talent.
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