President William Ruto used his 63rd Madaraka Day address in Wajir to acknowledge decades of neglect and marginalisation faced by Northern Kenya, while promising continued government investment in the region.
Speaking during the historic celebrations held at Wajir Stadium on Sunday, Ruto said hosting the national event in Wajir for the first time since independence symbolised the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable development.
“This is Wajir County. This is Kenya. This is Bottom-Up. This is what we meant when we said we would leave no one behind,” Ruto said.
The President noted that Madaraka Day celebrations had never before been held in the region in the 63 years since Kenya attained self-rule, describing the occasion as a national declaration that every Kenyan deserves equal opportunities regardless of where they live.
Ruto admitted that Northern Kenya had suffered years of discrimination, policy failures and underdevelopment, citing historical decisions that concentrated development in what were considered high-potential areas while leaving other regions behind.
“Decades after independence, this region was left behind through neglect, marginalisation, discrimination and policy failures,” he stated.
The Head of State said the consequences included poor infrastructure, inadequate access to water, healthcare and education, leaving communities feeling excluded from national development.
In a rare gesture, Ruto issued an apology to residents of Northern Kenya on behalf of the government and the people of Kenya.
“On behalf of the people and the Republic of Kenya, I offer my sincere apology for the marginalisation that you have endured over the years. Poleni sana, ndugu zetu. It was never meant to be this way,” he said.
The President further pledged to dismantle the legacy of exclusion through increased investments in roads, schools, health facilities and water projects across the region.
He said the government’s development agenda seeks to ensure that no part of the country is left behind as Kenya continues its journey towards inclusive growth and national unity.
The 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir marked the first time the national event was hosted in Northern Kenya, a move the government says reflects efforts to integrate historically marginalised regions into the country’s development agenda.