Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the government will not reverse its decision to make it easier for Kenyans living near border areas to get national identity cards.

He said the directive, issued by President William Ruto, aims to end past discriminatory practices that targeted certain communities. Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with Members of Parliament from Northern Kenya at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi, Prof. Kindiki stressed that the policy is here to stay.

“I am happy with the steps we have taken to remove discrimination in the issuance of IDs. It may have made some people uncomfortable, but it is important for building a united and prosperous nation,” he said.

The DP assured that the government is focused on fair and equal treatment of all Kenyans, adding that regions that have been left behind for years will receive affirmative action.

Ongoing development projects in the north include new roads, electricity connections, clean water supply, affordable housing, and modern markets under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

Among the major projects is the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Modogashe–Wajir–Kotulo–Elwak–Rhamu–Mandera road, which is expected to open up the region to trade and investment.

Kindiki also praised the securitisation of the roads levy, saying it has released funds to complete stalled projects such as the Lamu–Ijara–Garissa and Isiolo–Mandera roads.

On health, the DP said the Universal Health Coverage programme under the Social Health Authority (SHA) has already enrolled more than 25.4 million Kenyans.

He said the goal is to cover over 35 million people by 2027. However, he noted the need to fix challenges such as delays in approvals and fraudulent claims.

“We are also making sure hospitals have enough medicine and equipment. Supplies will be delivered directly to health facilities from KEMSA to avoid shortages and theft,” he said.

Kindiki added that the affordable housing programme is being implemented across all counties, including in Wajir, Garissa and Mandera, as Kenya becomes increasingly urbanised.

Leaders from the region welcomed the projects, calling them the most significant since independence. Dadaab MP Farah Maalim and Eldas MP Adan Keynan said the investments were proof that their communities are now fully recognised as part of the Kenyan nation.