Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has refuted claims that he intends to divide the Mt Kenya region into East and West, emphasizing that his comments aim to expose existing development imbalances.

In an interview with NTV, the CS stressed that his observations reflect the reality of unequal infrastructure growth rather than a push for regional separation.

Shared History but Unequal Development

Ruku recalled the unity of Mt Kenya communities during Kenya's independence struggle and their joint participation in successive governments. Yet, he noted persistent disparities, particularly in infrastructure, disadvantaging parts of Mt Kenya East.

Infrastructure Disparities Cited

  • He highlighted that 77.7% of all tarmacked roads in Mt Kenya are located in the western counties.
  • Electricity connectivity contrasts sharply, with Kiambu County achieving approximately 90% coverage, while counties like Tharaka Nithi lag significantly behind.

"If you look at electricity connection, Kiambu is at 90%, but in Tharaka Nithi, you wonder if we are in the same region," Ruku remarked.

Call for Addressing Historical Inequalities

The CS clarified that advocating for Mt Kenya East's distinct political and development interests is not about dividing the region but correcting longstanding unfairness.

"This perpetual unfair treatment has to end," he asserted, noting that Mt Kenya East counties—Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi—have repeatedly supported political directions led by Mt Kenya West without receiving proportional benefits.