President William Ruto has announced the creation of a new sub-county in Baringo for the minority Maa tribe - the Illchamus community.

Ruto says that the establishment of the sub-county will address the community's long-standing challenges to access government services.

Speaking during the Maa cultural festival, the president emphasized that the Illchamus, as part of the larger Maa community, have faced years of marginalisation.

“We are committed to ensuring that the Ilchamus people, who have been marginalized for many years, now have a direct line to government services through the creation of their own sub-county," he said.

Addressing concerns about security in Samburu, President Ruto also pledged to redeploy the Special Operations Group to Samburu County to tackle a resurgence of unrest.

He also outlined development plans including road construction and improved connectivity across the region, including the extension of the Last Mile Connectivity.

“We will work to ensure that our roads are better, and that electricity reaches even the most remote areas, helping to drive development," Ruto stated.

Leaders representing the Maa communities also called on the government to address the challenges posed by climate change, particularly for pastoralist communities.

The president who was donning traditional Samburu regalia responded by promising to invite investors to establish value addition industries for hides and skins from livestock for the broader Maa community.

He also promised the establishment of abattoirs and livestock markets in pastoral areas to support the local livestock industry.

“We will work with investors to create value addition opportunities, which will increase income for pastoralists and improve the livelihoods of our people," Ruto said.