GARISSA, Kenya — Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has highlighted a series of national government development interventions in Garissa County, saying they reflect President William Ruto’s deliberate and multi-sectoral approach to addressing historical development gaps in Northern Kenya.
Duale spoke during a health-focused tour of the county, where he presided over the official opening of the Tayseer Islamic Centre in Kumahumato, Dadaab Constituency.
His sentiment comes when the region is under intense scrutiny for underdevelopment and alleged corruption.
The region is also facing one of the worst droughts in recent years, with the Kenya Red Cross warning that 2 million Kenyans are under a threat of a humanitarian crisis.
The centre was established by Al-Tayseer Charity and is expected to support vulnerable families through humanitarian and social programmes.
Duale said the initiative complements ongoing government efforts to scale up food and water distribution in drought-affected areas, including Garissa County.
He said the government’s development agenda in Garissa and the wider Northern Kenya region has prioritised infrastructure, service delivery, and social protection.
Among the flagship projects cited was the 420-kilometre Lamu–Garissa dual carriageway under the LAPSSET Corridor Programme. Duale said the road is expected to improve mobility, boost trade, and strengthen regional integration.
The Cabinet Secretary also pointed to ongoing affordable housing projects, construction of modern markets, and interventions to address persistent power outages in the county.
On citizen services, Duale said the government has eased access to identification documents by removing vetting requirements for national identity cards and passports. He added that the return of the regional immigration office has significantly improved access to essential services for residents.
Further infrastructure expansion is planned through the proposed Garissa–Sabah–Liboi Road, which the government says will enhance connectivity and unlock economic opportunities across the county.
In the health sector, Duale said the upgrade of Kumahumato Health Centre from a dispensary to a Level 3B facility will improve access to essential healthcare services. He said the move is expected to support efforts to reduce maternal mortality by increasing the use of skilled health services.
The Cabinet Secretary said the combined interventions demonstrate the national government’s commitment to inclusive development, improved service delivery, and sustainable economic growth in historically marginalised regions.
