By Issa Abdull
Former Mandera County Delivery Unit head Ahmed Ali Madey has declared his intention to contest the Mandera East parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, pledging to prioritise education, water access, healthcare, youth employment and infrastructure development.
Madey, who previously served in senior positions within the Mandera County Government, said his decision to seek elective office is driven by a commitment to public service and a desire to improve the livelihoods of residents across the constituency.
“Leadership is about service, not status,” Madey said in an interview with RTG News.
“My desire to seek the Mandera East parliamentary seat comes from a genuine commitment to serve the people. I have worked within government, I understand the systems, and I know what it takes to transform policies into real development projects.”
Mandera East continues to face challenges including inadequate road infrastructure, limited access to clean water, youth unemployment and pressure on education and health services.
Madey said he intends to strengthen access to National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) bursaries, improve learning facilities and ensure deserving students are able to complete their education.
“Education remains the greatest investment we can make for our future generations,” he said.
On healthcare, he pledged to advocate for better-equipped health facilities, increased medical personnel and closer collaboration between the national and county governments to improve service delivery.
Addressing water scarcity, a persistent challenge across the arid constituency, Madey said he would support investment in boreholes, water pans, solar-powered water systems and expanded distribution networks.
“Water is life. We cannot speak about development when families still struggle to access clean water,” he said.
Youth empowerment also features prominently in his campaign agenda. Madey said he plans to promote vocational training, entrepreneurship, digital skills development, sports programmes and improved access to enterprise financing.
“Our youth are not looking for handouts; they are looking for opportunities,” he said.
He also pledged to support women’s economic empowerment through access to financing, capacity-building initiatives and increased participation in leadership and decision-making.
Madey identified infrastructure development as another priority, citing the need for improved roads, telecommunications, rural electrification and digital connectivity to stimulate economic growth and improve access to public services.
“Roads connect people to markets, hospitals and schools. Better infrastructure means better business, better healthcare and a better quality of life,” he said.
Throughout his campaign, Madey has emphasised inclusive leadership and equitable distribution of development resources.
“Mandera East belongs to all of us. My leadership will be guided by fairness, inclusivity, transparency and accountability. I want every resident to feel represented regardless of age, location or background,” he said.
Political observers say the aspirant has increased his public engagement through consultations with elders, religious leaders, professionals, youth groups, women leaders and members of the business community ahead of the 2027 polls.
The Mandera East parliamentary contest is expected to attract several candidates as political activity intensifies ahead of the election.
Madey expressed confidence that his experience in public administration and development planning would enable him to effectively represent the constituency if elected.
“This journey is not about one individual; it is about the future of Mandera East. Together, we can build a constituency where our children receive quality education, our youth find employment, our women prosper, our roads improve, our people access clean water and every community enjoys the benefits of development,” he said.
