The majority leader in the National Assembly, Silvanus Osoro, recently criticized opposition candidates for neglecting the region, noting that many of them had never been to Vajira. Osoro's speech followed President Ruto's decision to hold a celebration of Madaraka National Day in Wajira for the first time in the country's history. Osoro stressed the constitutional requirement for a presidential candidate to gain at least 25% of the vote in at least 24 districts, stressing the need for the participation of the Northeastern Bloc.
The President's multifaceted strategy is aimed at ensuring security, infrastructure, education and political integration in Vajira, Mandera, Garissa, Marsabit and Isiolo. Deputy President Kiture Kindiki noted that the Government prioritizes positive actions to address historical marginalization, including major investments in markets, housing, and the electric power industry. The cornerstone of these efforts is the 760-kilometer Isiolo-Mandera road, part of the 100 billion shillings Northern Kenya Gateway Corridor, which aims to expand trade with Ethiopia and Somalia.
Perhaps the most significant policy shift has been the Government's decision to abolish discriminatory national identity card screening. This reform has allowed thousands of Kenyan Somalis to access basic services, including banking, employment, and voting. During Madaraki Day celebrations, President Ruto apologized for decades of neglect by the state, promising that his administration «will not leave anyone without attention».
The Government has also launched initiatives to support pastoral communities, including restocking livestock and the Last Mile program. In the field of education, the administration strives to overcome regional differences by creating new classrooms, laboratories and educational institutions for teachers. In particular, the President announced plans to build a new university in Vajira and a civilian terminal at Vajira International Airport. In addition, the Government is working to integrate the Duksi and madrasa education systems into the national education system.
Local leaders, including Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Governor Marsabit Ali Mohamud, and Member of Parliament Adan Keinan, praised these actions, expressing their full support for the President's re-election. They claim that for the first time since independence, the region feels truly integrated into the national government.
While opposition figures such as Kalonzo Musioka, Marta Karua and Eugene Wamalwa are expected to compete for the region's support, political observers suggest that President Ruto has a clear advantage. By implementing real development projects and solving long-standing problems, the president has transformed the Northeastern region from a secondary one into one of the most significant battlefields on the 2027 electoral map.
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