Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has declared that banditry in Baringo County and the wider North Rift region has been significantly suppressed, paving the way for accelerated development and improved livelihoods for residents.
Speaking on Friday during an inspection tour of government projects in Mogotio Constituency, Prof Kindiki said the region, once plagued by persistent insecurity, is now enjoying stability after years of sustained security interventions.
He noted that banditry, which had long been a major concern for successive administrations, has been effectively addressed over the past three years, allowing communities to experience peace and normalcy.
“Baringo was notorious for banditry for a long time but now security has been restored. I thank the President for his resolve to restore peace in the region. The leaders and residents of Baringo have also played a great role and we appreciate them for their cooperation,” said the Deputy President.
The second in Command attributed the progress to coordinated efforts between the national government, local leadership and residents, emphasizing that collaboration has been key in achieving lasting peace.
During the tour, the Deputy President inspected several ongoing development projects, including the 78-kilometre Mogotio–Lake Bogoria–Kapkitur–Kisanana–Kamukunji Road, which is expected to improve connectivity and spur economic growth in the area.
He also visited the Mogotio Livestock Training and Service Centre and launched the Kipkararam Last Mile Electrification Project, aimed at expanding access to electricity in rural households.
Addressing residents at Emining Shopping Centre, Kindiki said the government is now fully focused on transforming the region through infrastructure development and economic empowerment.
“Peace has been restored in Baringo. Now we are fully focused on development. We have many projects going on here. I am proud to be associated with the stability, security and freedom of the people of Baringo,” he said.
The Deputy President revealed that he made at least 23 visits to Baringo between 2022 and 2024 during his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary, in efforts to strengthen security operations and restore order in the region.
He commended his successor, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, for sustaining the momentum and enhancing measures to completely eliminate banditry.
Prof Kindiki said the government is committed to ensuring that Baringo catches up with other regions in terms of infrastructure and development, noting that the county has historically lagged behind.
He noted the ongoing construction of the 78-kilometre road is part of a broader plan to tarmac 854 kilometres of roads across the county at a cost of Sh32 billion.
The specific Mogotio road project is valued at Sh3.7 billion.
“Baringo County is one of the biggest beneficiaries of road construction because historically it has lagged behind in matters of roads and infrastructure. I urge the contractors to do quality work, speed up the works and prioritise giving the local community job opportunities,” he said.
In addition to roads, the government has allocated Sh712 million to connect about 4,000 households to electricity across the county.
In Mogotio Constituency alone, 17 last-mile electrification projects are ongoing, targeting 1,000 households at a cost of Sh145 million.
The Deputy President also addressed concerns over rising fuel prices, assuring Kenyans that the government is implementing measures to stabilize costs amid global shocks.
He attributed the increase in fuel prices to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has disrupted global supply chains, and urged wananchi not to be misled by political rhetoric.
“We will stabilise fuel prices and restore them to where they were. We have a working plan so that citizens do not suffer. We have reduced VAT from 16 percent to 8 percent, and we will roll out more short-term and long-term measures to cushion Kenyans,” he said.
Prof Kindiki further called on eligible citizens to register as voters ahead of upcoming elections, underscoring the importance of civic participation in shaping the country’s leadership.
The event was attended by Baringo Deputy Governor Felix Kipng’ok, Mogotio MP Ruben Kiborek, Senator Kiprono Chemitei, Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma, several Members of County Assembly and hundreds of residents.
Edited by John Majau
