President Uhuru Kenyatta has criticised Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok, saying the arid county has little to show for the more than Sh40 billion of devolved funds disbursed over the last four years.
He said the ODM-led county was a shameful example of poor service delivery to Kenyans. The President observed that Turkana county received funds equal to the combined allocations to Kiambu and Uasin Gishu counties but lagged behind in development.
“Turkana county deserves to develop at the same pace as other counties and its residents have a right to receive efficient and effective services under the devolved unit as other counties,” said Uhuru.
The Head of State who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto spoke on Wednesday in Lodwar town where he was greeted by thousands of residents.
He reassured residents that his administration will remain focused in developing all parts of the country. In Turkana county, the President said the Jubilee administration has initiated projects aimed at transforming the lives of residents in the areas of energy, health, infrastructure, agriculture, water and security.
On infrastructure,Uhuru cited the tarmacking of the Kitale-Lodwar road that is currently underway while on electricity he said more than 300 primary schools have been connected.
“Since independence, which government has connected more households to electricity than Jubilee?” he posed adding:“If one is a leader who is keen on uplifting the life of residents, he would join Jubilee, the party that is focused on development and unity.”
Deputy President Ruto said he has fought hard to ensure that financial resources for development were channelled to Turkana county because of his quest and the President’s determination to transform the lives of Kenyans in all parts of the country