President Uhuru Kenyatta has visited the North Eastern counties of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, more than three years after taking office.
According to Senator Billow Kerrow, residents of the region have been critical of the President's failure to visit the area earlier, which could create resentment within the predominantly Somali community.
The region has faced significant security challenges, including terrorist attacks that led to the deaths of dozens of Kenyans. Many public servants from outside the region left, resulting in the near collapse of educational and health institutions.
Senator Kerrow expressed concern about the poor state of infrastructure in the region, particularly the B9 Nairobi dirt road, which has remained unchanged since independence. He also highlighted the severe water shortage in the county headquarters and the lack of job opportunities, which could lead to radicalization.
The Senator emphasized that the national government has failed to address these challenges, despite promises to do so. He suggested that devolution might be the solution to the region's problems, given the national government's neglect.
Senator Kerrow's comments come as the region continues to face significant developmental challenges, including poverty, with 84.5% of the county's 1.2 million residents living below the poverty line.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nation.
