By Lerte Tellah – Samburu
November 8: President William Ruto made a special appearance at the Maa Cultural Festival, which began on November 6 and is underway at Samburu National Park. The event, celebrated by the Maasai communities from Samburu, Narok, and Kajiado, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Maa people. The festival, organized through the Maa Economic Bloc, was spearheaded by the County Governors Patrick Keturet Ole Ntutu (Narok), Joseph Ole Lenku (Kajiado), and Jonathan Lati Lelelit (Samburu), with a vision of highlighting and preserving the traditional customs, attire, and artistry of the Maasai culture.
During his address, President Ruto committed to a series of development initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and economic opportunities within Samburu County and the surrounding regions. The festival provided an ideal backdrop for the president to outline these ambitious projects, which include the tarmacking of the Maralal-Baragoi road, upgrading Wamba-Lerata road through dozing and murram layering, and constructing two 300-unit hostel facilities at Samburu East Technical College and Maralal Technical and Vocational Training Institute. These projects are expected to not only ease transportation challenges in the region but also provide substantial support for educational infrastructure.
Ruto further pledged to advance electrification in the region, aiming to connect electricity to between 1,000 and 2,000 households. He also emphasized efforts to boost the local economy by revitalizing the Samburu leather market for hides and skins, promising it would create job opportunities and promote local businesses.
One of the most eagerly anticipated projects is the mass livestock vaccination program scheduled for January, which aims to improve livestock health and support the livelihoods of local pastoralists. In addition, the Yamo Dam project will bring piped water connectivity to Maralal town and nearby areas, addressing the critical water needs of the community.
The president’s plans also include the construction of affordable housing in Archerpost and Milimani in Maralal, a move expected to improve living standards for many residents.
The Maa Cultural Festival continues to provide an immersive experience, featuring traditional dances, music, storytelling, handicrafts, and food that reflect the life and heritage of the Maasai people. It serves as both a cultural celebration and a platform for meaningful discussions about the development of the region, drawing interest from locals and visitors alike.
