Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has pledged increased investment in roads, electricity, schools and water projects in Laikipia County, saying the Government is shifting its focus to accelerating development following the restoration of peace in banditry prone areas.
Prof Kindiki said the administration would expand its road construction programme in Laikipia from 577 kilometres to 1,000 kilometres, with funding rising from the current Sh28 billion to Sh50 billion under an affirmative action initiative.
Speaking in Ol Moran, Laikipia West Constituency, on Monday, October 26, the Deputy President credited security agencies for dismantling bandit networks and enabling residents to return to their farms, businesses and schools after years of violence and displacement.
He said the area had experienced relative stability over the past three years, attributing the progress to coordinated operations involving the police, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Reservists and civilian informants.
“When we took office in 2022, Ol Moran was virtually uninhabitable because of banditry, livestock theft and attacks by armed criminals. Today, residents can sleep peacefully and resume their livelihoods,” he said.
Kindiki, who served as Interior Cabinet Secretary between 2022 and 2024, said he had visited the area 21 times during efforts to restore security, working alongside police and military officers to address the crisis.
He commissioned the newly constructed Ol Moran Police Station and Kirima Police Division headquarters, built at a cost of Sh21 million, as the Government moves to strengthen security infrastructure.
Education has also received attention, with 20 schools in Laikipia West and North reconstructed under KDF supervision after being destroyed or abandoned because of insecurity. Another 10 schools are planned.
On infrastructure, Kindiki inspected the Mahiga-Ol Moran road and directed the Kenya Rural Roads Authority to tighten supervision of contractors handling major projects.
He singled out the 58 kilometre Nanyuki-Dol Dol-Naibor road and the 30 kilometre Rumuruti-Mutara road, warning that contractors who fail to meet agreed timelines would face consequences.
The Deputy President also announced plans to increase electricity connectivity funding from about Sh470 million to Sh1 billion, targeting 10,000 additional households.
Laikipia will further benefit from water projects under the proposed National Infrastructure Fund, including a nationwide programme covering large, medium sized and small dams.
Kindiki urged residents to reject political incitement, warning that violence and destruction of property should not be disguised as political competition.
He said the Government would continue investing in the region to compensate for development opportunities lost during years of insecurity, adding that peace must remain the foundation of economic recovery.
Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri and Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru were among leaders who accompanied the Deputy President during the tour.
