Ruto Vows to Restore Security and Develop Baringo’s Kerio Valley Region
President William Ruto has pledged decisive action to restore peace in bandit-plagued parts of Kerio Valley, including Tiaty in Baringo County, promising to construct military barracks and invest in education, health, and infrastructure. Speaking during a development tour in Baringo, the President underscored that insecurity has undermined economic activity, education, and stability—and vowed to overhaul the region through major development initiatives. We must decisively deal with criminals who undermine our peace, education and economic activities, he declared.
During the tour, the President officially opened the Konza Digital Skills Laboratory at the North Rift Technical and Vocational College in Tiaty Constituency and launched the Kenya Medical Training College at Chemolingot. The events coincided with the issuance of over 2,530 title deeds to residents of Baringo, signaling the government’s commitment to strengthening property rights and fostering stability. Ruto was joined by Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisely Rotich, as well as several local Members of Parliament and county assembly members.
Ruto said the administration’s long-term strategy for the region includes the development of geothermal energy to greenlight manufacturing and employment. He pointed to the Silale Geothermal Project as a cornerstone of this vision, noting that it will create jobs for local youth and help transform Baringo into a hub for sustainable development. To enforce security, he added that military barracks will be built in insecure zones to support law enforcement agencies and drive out criminality.
The President also launched a major water infrastructure initiative: the Last Mile Water Connectivity Programme, which will channel water from Chemusu Dam to domestic users, livestock farmers, and small-scale irrigators in Baringo and parts of Nakuru County. Ruto argued that improving water access is key to development and resilience in the region. He called on local leaders to abandon divisive politics, invest in education, and unite in the fight against insecurity. We must invest more in education so that we can empower everyone, he told residents, urging collaborative efforts to build a more secure and prosperous future for the North Rift.