Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called on political leaders to prioritise development delivery over ethnic mobilisation as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, saying voters should assess leaders based on their contribution to improving livelihoods.
Duale made the remarks while presiding over a resource mobilisation drive organised by the Somali Midnimo Community-Based Organisation (CBO) in Isiolo County. The organisation brings together women’s groups representing 11 Somali clans and seeks to empower women while promoting unity, peace and development within the community.
Speaking at the event, Duale challenged leaders to avoid political divisions based on ethnicity, arguing that development and service delivery should take centre stage as politicians seek public support ahead of the next election.
He said political competition should focus on addressing the needs of citizens rather than mobilising communities along ethnic lines, emphasising the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence in advancing development.
The resource mobilisation initiative brought together women’s groups and leaders from different areas, with the organisers seeking to strengthen women’s empowerment and support community development initiatives.
Duale Highlights Northern Kenya Infrastructure Projects
During his address, Duale highlighted infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration of President William Ruto, citing road construction and changes to identification and travel document requirements affecting residents of northern Kenya and border communities.
He pointed to the Lamu–Garissa–Isiolo road and the ongoing 750-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera highway as key infrastructure projects intended to improve connectivity across northern Kenya.
The roads are expected to improve transport links between communities, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and strengthen access to markets and essential services in areas that have historically faced infrastructure challenges.
Duale also cited the removal of vetting requirements for residents of northern Kenya and border communities seeking identification and travel documents, presenting the measure as part of the government’s efforts to address longstanding administrative challenges affecting residents in the region.