MANDERA, Kenya – President William Ruto on Tuesday donated Sh1 million to students of Mandera Teachers Training College (TTC) for lunch during his visit to inspect the institution.
Engaging with the trainees, Ruto made the unexpected announcement, handing over the money to the college’s student president to ensure all learners received a meal.
“Who is the President of the school? Because I’m on the ground, I will give you Sh1 million to buy them lunch,” he declared.
The visit marked the beginning of Ruto’s week-long tour of the North Eastern region, where he emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving education, infrastructure, and security.
He reiterated that the government is enhancing school infrastructure and recruiting more teachers to bridge gaps in education access across the region and the country.
We are enhancing infrastructure in learning institutions and recruiting more teachers in the North Eastern region just as we are doing across the country to improve access to education. This will ensure learners have equal opportunities, foster equity and ensure that no one is…
Addressing residents at Moi Stadium, the President also pledged to tackle insecurity, a persistent challenge in North Eastern Kenya.
He assured locals that his administration is working on policies to end the marginalization of the region through strategic development initiatives.
“The days when this region was neglected are over. It is my responsibility to ensure Kenya is united and every citizen is treated equally,” Ruto said.
He announced plans to eliminate vetting in the issuance of National Identification Cards and passports, a process that has long been seen as discriminatory against residents of North Eastern Kenya.
On infrastructure, the President outlined the government’s ambitious plan to expand the road network, highlighting the ongoing construction of the 750-kilometer Isiolo-Mandera road.
The Sh100 billion project, funded jointly by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Arab banks, and the Kenyan government, aims to integrate the region with the rest of the country.
“Already, seven contractors are on site building the road,” Ruto stated.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Governors Mohamed Adan Khalif (Mandera) and Mohamud Ali (Marsabit), and Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Environment) and Eric Muuga (Water) accompanied the President, alongside Members of Parliament.
