We want to work with you, Uhuru to Ukambani leaders

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday said his administration wants to work with Ukambani leaders to accelerate development that will improve the lives of the residents.

The President singled out implementation of water and road projects as top items in his vision for the Lower Eastern region and welcomed the leaders to partner with the Government in its all-inclusive approach to development.

“We are keen on lifting the people of this region out of poverty and we want to work with you to achieve that goal,” President Kenyatta told the Ukambani leaders.

He added: “For the country to move forward, we have to unite and work together.”

The President was speaking today during a meeting with Ukambani leaders and professionals at Nuu trading centre in Kitui County on the second day of his visit to the region that saw him commission a number of projects including the newly completed Nuu Technical Training and Vocational College constructed by the national Government.

President Kenyatta also addressed Nuu residents who had turned out in large numbers to welcome him.

Noting that lack of water was undermining the Ukambani region’s potential to produce surplus food, President Kenyatta said his Government is working round the clock to solve that problem.

He cited his commissioning of the Ksh 2.2 billion Masinga/Kitui Water Supply project yesterday, the ongoing rehabilitation of the 59 kilometre Yatta Canal at a cost of Ksh2.2 billion and the Ksh 2.9 billion water project in Mavoko as part of the Ksh 10 billion initiative by his Government to address the water problem in the region.

The Ukambani leaders and professionals – including Mwingi Central MP Joe Mutambu and his Mwingi North counterpart John Munuve – paraded dozens of top Government officers and parastatal hotshots, discounting the view that the region is not represented in the Government.

Speaking on behalf of the residents of Kitui County, the leaders said they have tasted the fruits of working with the Government and will not be convinced to abandon their stand.