President Ruto Hails Barpelo–Tot–Marich Pass Road as Turning Point for Kerio Valley

President William Ruto has said the Government has made major strides in restoring unity, peace and stability in the Kerio Valley, a region that for decades has been plagued by deadly conflicts and insecurity.

Speaking in Lomut, Sigor, West Pokot County, the President noted that sustained security operations, community engagement and development-focused interventions have helped calm tensions and rebuild trust among communities living along the valley.

“We have made significant progress in restoring unity, peace and stability in the Kerio Valley. This is a region that has suffered for many years, but today we are turning a new page,” President Ruto said.

The President emphasized that infrastructure development remains central to the Government’s peace and economic transformation agenda, citing the Barpelo–Tot–Marich Pass Road as a key milestone.

According to President Ruto, the completion of the road will not only enhance security and order in the area but also unlock vast economic opportunities by improving connectivity between Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana and Baringo counties.

“This road will liberate the region. It will open up these counties to trade, investment, access to markets, and essential services, ultimately transforming the lives of our people,” he said.

The President added that improved road networks will enable faster response by security agencies, easier movement of goods and people, and better access to health, education and other social services.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no region is left behind in national development, stressing that peace and development must go hand in hand.

“As we build roads and infrastructure, we are also building peace, unity and shared prosperity for all Kenyans,” President Ruto said.

Local leaders and residents welcomed the President’s remarks, expressing optimism that the road project and sustained peace efforts would usher in long-term stability and economic growth across the Kerio Valley region.