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Ruto Moves Multi-Billion Project to His Office

President William Ruto has announced that the launched multi-billion initiative, the North and Northeastern Development Initiative (NEDI) will be moved to the Office of the President effective immediately.

Ruto while speaking during the fourth Pastoralist leadership summit on Tuesday, December 10, stated that the move will enhance its effectiveness.

“The government of Kenya launched a two billion North and Northeastern Development Initiative commonly known as NEDI to address historical neglect and promote inclusive growth,” Ruto said.

“To enhance its effectiveness moving forward, I have directed that its implementation be implemented now in my office.”

President William Ruto (right) with World Bank President Ajay Banga. PHOTO/PCS.
President William Ruto (right) with World Bank President Ajay Banga. PHOTO/PCS.

At the same time, the Head of State directed Ibrahim Rashid, an adviser at the Office of the Deputy President and NEDI head of Regional Affairs, to move to his office to closely monitor ongoing developments.

About NEDI Project Ruto Wants Moved to His Office

In 2018, the Government of Kenya, with support from the World Bank, launched NEDI to boost investments in the region.

The initiative focuses on transformative infrastructure and sustainable livelihoods, with a total investment portfolio exceeding US$2 billion when combined with other World Bank projects in the area.

NEDI has, for the past years, been spearheaded by both the national and county governments.

Its success depends largely on strong collaboration between stakeholders, including the two levels of government, the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners.


Also Read: Govt Targets 14,000 New Jobs as Devki Invests Ksh11 B in Key Project


The programme consists of six key projects: the Off-Grid Solar Access Project for Underserved Counties, the Climate Smart Agriculture Project, the Water and Sanitation Development Project.

Others are the Northeastern Transport Improvement Project, the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project, and the National Safety Net Program Additional Financing.


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The project covers ten counties which include Garissa, Isiolo, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir, and West Pokot.

Key Projects

Some of the NEDI projects that have been completed are the Horn of Africa Gateway Project (HoAGP) – 740km from Isiolo through Wajir to Mandera which is ready for commencement and the Isiolo Export Abattoir.

Others include the rehabilitation of Wajir Livestock Training Institute and the Horn of Africa Ground Water for Resilience Project (HOAGWRP) targeting construction of 400 boreholes to benefit residents in the region among others.


Also Read: Sonko Speaks on Owning Title Deeds of Lands Meant for Ruto Projects


To increase access to electricity in the region, World Bank announced that the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project aims to harness the area’s renewable energy resources.

Mini grids in underserved counties will provide electricity to households, community facilities, boreholes, and efficient cookstoves.

World Bank affirmed that this initiative would reduce energy poverty by expanding access to modern energy services in these counties.

Through the North-Eastern Transport Improvement Project, roads will be improved, reducing travel time and providing access to jobs and markets for people living along the corridor.

At the same time, the Water and Sanitation Development Project will connect households to piped water, provide community water points, and enhance sanitation services in Wajir town and for Dadaab host communities in Garissa County.

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Vehicles stranded on a flooded stretch of the Isiolo-Mandera road following heavy rains last year.
Vehicles stranded on a flooded stretch of the Isiolo-Mandera road following heavy rains. Photo/ NMG

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Annah Nanjala Wekesa

Annah Nanjala Wekesa is a journalist at The Kenya Times, with a passion for crafting news-worthy stories that leave a lasting impact. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media from Kisii University. She has honed her skills in the art of storytelling and journalism. Her passion lies in the art of storytelling that resonates with audiences, driving a commitment to delivering news-worthy stories through the lens of integrity and precision. She can be reached at annah.wekesa@thekenyatimes.com

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