At State House, Nairobi, I attended a consultative session with the president of Republic of Kenya H.E. Dr Willaim Ruto ,CGH @WilliamsRuto , where we discussed key priorities to unlock Mandera County’s full potential.
Our discussions centred on accelerating transformative development programmes across our vast county. We prioritised dependable electricity connectivity, improved road infrastructure, sustainable water supply, affordable housing, establishment of modern markets, and the construction of student hostels for each technical college across the six constituencies.
We also explored the immense potential of Northern Kenya as the next frontier for large-scale irrigated agriculture. As leaders, we agreed to begin identifying suitable land for commercial farming to strengthen food security, attract investment, and create meaningful employment opportunities for our youth.
The engagement reaffirmed our shared commitment to inclusive growth and equitable development for the great people of Mandera County.
The meeting brought together key national leaders, including the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, EGH @davis_chirchir , Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation , Eng. Eric Muuga @mugaa_eric , Principal Secretaries, and the county leadership led by H.E. Mohamed Adan Khalif, Senator Ali Ibrahim Roba, and all Members of Parliament from our county’s six constituencies.
Today, I had a productive and heartfelt engagement with the great people of Mandera East Constituency, particularly our small traders including youths, elders, and hardworking mothers who remain the backbone of our local economy.
They shared their daily struggles, their resilience, and the opportunities now emerging within our constituency.
I was especially encouraged by their overwhelming appreciation for the positive impact of the lifted curfew, which has restored business confidence and economic activity across our towns and trading centres.
Our traders can now operate freely, even into the late hours of the night, earning an honest living and supporting their families with dignity. This renewed freedom has translated into increased income, improved security of livelihoods, and a stronger local economy.
This progress aligns perfectly with HE The President of Republic of Kenya Dr @WilliamsRuto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes empowering small-scale traders, youth entrepreneurs, and grassroots businesses.
When policies focus on the people at the bottom of the economic pyramid, real transformation is felt where it matters most in our homes and marketplaces.
I sincerely thank H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto @WilliamsRuto for agreeing to the construction of the Mandera to Fino and Rhamu to Mandera roads, a transformative project that will greatly benefit our people, especially in Mandera East Constituency where a large section of these roads passes.
I am particularly grateful that the President has confirmed that the Mandera to Fino road will not only be constructed, but upgraded to Class A standard, moving from the originally proposed low seal class. This is a major milestone for the great people of Mandera. A Class A road will significantly enhance durability, connectivity, trade, and long-term economic growth in our region.
This long-awaited development will open up our area, ease movement of people and goods, strengthen security operations, and unlock new opportunities for businesses and our youth.
For years, our people have faced immense challenges due to poor road infrastructure, and this bold decision demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to ensuring no region is left behind.
As the construction begins soon, InshaAllah, we look forward to the immense transformation this project will bring to Mandera East and the entire county.
Hon. Hussein Weytan
Member of Parliament, Mandera East Constituency.
MANDERA COUNTY, KENYA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026
Today, I joined H.E. President Dr William Samoei Ruto @WilliamsRuto and H.E. Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki @_KithureKindiki in Mandera for the second day of their Northern Kenya tour, where we disbursed NYOTA funds witnessed by national and local leaders present.
Through the five-year, World Bank–funded programme, over 820,000 youth aged 18–35 will benefit from KSh 50,000 business grants. In Mandera County, 2,540 youth from 30 wards have received KSh 63 million to start enterprises and build sustainable livelihoods. Nationally, 120,000 youth across 1,420 wards have already benefited.
We welcome the government’s commitment to install a 3-megawatt generator as plans to connect Mandera to the Ethiopian power grid are fast-tracked, and the reopening of the Mandera Border Post in April to revive cross-border trade.
In a major development boost, the President directed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) @kdfinfo to oversee construction of a new stadium worth KSh 900 million and a major airport in Mandera. Works will commence within the next two months under the supervision of Defence PS Patrick Mariru to ensure timely completion.
I warmly welcome H.E. the President of the Republic of Kenya HE Dr @WilliamsRuto to Mandera for the NYOTA Programme business support disbursement.
This initiative will benefit over 2,500 youth from 30 wards, each receiving Ksh 25,000, marking a strong start to their entrepreneurial journeys. @NYOTA_Kenya is a powerful investment in our youth, promoting self-reliance, job creation, and inclusive growth in Mandera and across the country .
Following the completion of this phase, beneficiaries will transition into structured mentorship, market linkages, and ecosystem support, designed to strengthen business sustainability, unlock growth opportunities, and support youth-owned enterprises beyond the initial capital injection.
Meanwhile, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component will open doors for young people with informal skills to gain certification, transition into formal employment, and compete confidently in the modern economy, firmly placing youth at the centre of Kenya’s economic transformation.
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project is also offering the On-the-Job Experience (OJE) component, providing 6 months of structured apprenticeship, hands-on training, and mentorship to 90,000 youth aged 18–29 to enhance employability and workplace skills.
Eligible applicants can register via USSD - Dial *254#, select the OJE option, and take the first step toward real skills and opportunities, application window will be closed in 2 days .
We appreciate the government’s commitment to empowering young people and supporting grassroots economic development across the country.
@NYOTA_Kenya@moyasa_ke@MSMEs_KE@Waziri_Mvurya@DrOparanya@DrAlfredMutua@fikirini_jacobs@SusanAMangeni@NYC_YouthVoice@NSSF_ke@nea_kenya