Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for accelerated infrastructure development in the Kerio Valley, saying investment in roads, electricity and essential services is critical to sustaining security gains and promoting economic growth.
Murkomen spoke in Kinyach, Baringo North Constituency, during the launch of the Kipsaraman-Kinyach Road and the flag-off of the Baringo North Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project.
He commended President William Ruto for directing the National Security Council to prioritise development in communities that have abandoned cattle rustling and other criminal activities.
“Your Excellency, you gave us a directive at the National Security Council that because these communities have abandoned cattle theft and the killing of people, including children, women and the elderly, they should be given development,” Murkomen said.
The CS also praised local chiefs, elders and residents for working with the government to improve security, saying community cooperation had contributed to efforts to address the proliferation of illegal firearms in the Kerio Valley region.
“I thank you, Mr President. Wananchi, together with chiefs and village elders, worked together and we have removed all the guns from this belt here in the Kerio Valley,” he said.
Murkomen said security interventions must be accompanied by visible development projects capable of improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities for residents.
He argued that sustained investment in infrastructure would help address the underlying challenges associated with banditry while strengthening the government’s efforts to maintain peace in the region.
“Your Excellency, you are the only President who understands that the only solution to banditry is development in this area,” he said.
The Interior CS urged President Ruto to prioritise the construction and improvement of key roads connecting communities across the Kerio Valley.
He said better road networks would facilitate movement, support economic activities and enhance security operations in areas that have experienced cattle rustling and violent attacks.
The launch of the road project and the electricity connectivity initiative forms part of the government’s development push in Baringo North, where improved infrastructure is expected to expand access to essential services and support local economic activity.
