DP Kindiki defends govt’s economic record in Kitui East Visit

Speaking to residents in Zombe, Kitui East, the Deputy President emphasized that every elected leader should be held accountable through a progress report.

He recalled the economic hardships that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted farming, business, and travel, severely harming the economy.

“Our economy was in a bad state because of the pandemic. For nearly two years, there was no farming, no business, and no travel,” he said. “That’s why the economy was struggling when the President assumed office. But in two and a half years, we have made progress in easing the pain our people were going through.”

He acknowledged public dissatisfaction with the high cost of living, particularly when the price of a 2kg packet of maize flour (unga) soared to KSh 250, triggering nationwide protests.

In response, the government prioritized agriculture, reducing the cost of fertilizer from KSh 7,000 to KSh 2,500.

“By the grace of God, the rains, the hard work of Kenyans, and the efforts of government, we have managed to bring down the cost of unga to 150 or even 140 shillings,” he noted. “We are still working hard to bring it to 100 or even less.”

The Deputy President also addressed fuel prices, stating that the price of petrol has dropped from KSh 217 to KSh 174 and emphasizing the government's ongoing efforts to reduce it even further.

On dairy farming, he stated that the price of milk, which was previously around KSh 33 or 34, had increased to KSh 50. “We are working to ensure this improvement translates into more money in the farmer’s pocket. This is a journey we are committed to for the wellbeing of farmers,” he said.

On rural electrification, the Deputy President announced that KSh 2 billion has been allocated to the Last Mile Connectivity Program in Kitui County, which will reach 18,000 households via REREC and Kenya Power.

Specifically, Kitui East will receive KSh 250 million to connect 1,500 households that remain off the grid.

“Electricity is not just for the rich,” he said. “It is a right for everyone, no matter where or how they live.”

To assist Kenyans outside of the agricultural sector, the Deputy President emphasized the government's initiative to build over 400 markets across the country.

In Kitui County, four new markets are already under construction. He called on local leaders to help identify more sites for future markets, encouraging continued development beyond campaign seasons.

“Let us not wait for the campaign season. Development should continue now,” he urged.

Touching on road infrastructure, the Deputy President announced that the tender for the Zombe–Kyuluni Road was advertised on May 27.

He promised to personally oversee the project’s implementation. “Those who were using this road for politics should now focus elsewhere,” he remarked.

He also disclosed that KSh 800 million has been secured to compensate individuals displaced during the construction of the Kibwezi–Mutomo–Kitui Road.

He criticized some political leaders for inciting fear and spreading misinformation, asserting that leadership should be about integrity and record, not division. “Those moving around the country have all been leaders. Each one should share what they achieved while in office,” he stated.

“Do not be misled into politics of deceit and conmanship. Politics is a competition, not a fight. It should never create enmity,” he said, warning that the government would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country.

“The government will do all it can to ensure peace and stability today, tomorrow, and in the future,” he concluded. “Everyone has the freedom to seek leadership, but it should not be through creating fear or tension.”