KITUI, Kenya – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government’s economic record, highlighting strides made in agriculture, infrastructure, and rural electrification over the past two and a half years.
Speaking in Zombe, Kitui East, Kindiki said every elected leader must be held accountable through tangible progress reports, insisting that the government had worked to reverse economic hardships triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our economy was in a bad state because of the pandemic. For nearly two years, there was no farming, no business, and no travel,” he said. “But in two and a half years, we have made progress in easing the pain our people were going through.”
Kindiki acknowledged public frustration over the high cost of living, recalling when a 2kg packet of maize flour (unga) hit KSh 250, sparking protests across the country. He said the government’s interventions had since brought the cost down.
“By the grace of God, the rains, the hard work of Kenyans, and the efforts of government, we have managed to bring down the cost of unga to KSh 150 or even 140,” he said. “We are still working hard to bring it to KSh 100 or even less.”
He also pointed to a drop in fuel prices—from KSh 217 to KSh 174 per litre—as evidence of the government’s efforts to ease household expenses.
On agriculture, Kindiki said fertilizer subsidies had lowered costs from KSh 7,000 to KSh 2,500 per 50kg bag.
He noted that milk prices had risen from about KSh 33 to KSh 50 per litre, benefiting dairy farmers.
Development in Kitui
The Deputy President announced KSh 2 billion in funding for the Last Mile Connectivity Program in Kitui County, which will bring electricity to 18,000 homes via REREC and Kenya Power.
Kitui East will receive KSh 250 million to connect 1,500 households still off the grid.
“Electricity is not just for the rich,” he said. “It is a right for everyone, no matter where or how they live.”
He also highlighted ongoing construction of four new markets in Kitui and urged local leaders to propose more sites for development.
Nationally, the government is targeting over 400 new markets.
“Let us not wait for the campaign season. Development should continue now,” he said.
On roads, Kindiki confirmed that a tender for the Zombe–Kyuluni Road was advertised on May 27 and pledged close oversight.
He also said KSh 800 million had been secured to compensate people displaced by the construction of the Kibwezi–Mutomo–Kitui Road.
Political Stability and Accountability
Kindiki criticized unnamed politicians for spreading fear and misinformation, stating that leadership should be based on integrity and a record of service.
“Those moving around the country have all been leaders. Each one should share what they achieved while in office,” he said. “Do not be misled into politics of deceit and conmanship.”
He warned that the government would not tolerate efforts to destabilize the country.
“Politics is a competition, not a fight. It should never create enmity,” he said. “The government will do all it can to ensure peace and stability today, tomorrow, and in the future.”
