Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the Government is acting to end insecurity at the Meru-Isiolo border, following cases of cattle rustling.

Speaking at a joint interview with media stations based in Meru, Embu and Tharaka-Nithi counties on Sunday night, Mr Gachagua said the Government is keen to address the banditry and conflicts in the region.

"From when we changed the county security team and deployed a new County Commissioner there has been success, but the problem has resurfaced. I will talk to the Inspector-General of Police and the Interior Cabinet Secretary and we will come up with a solution. I have been briefed by the County Commissioner and we will do a mop up exercise in the area," DP Gachagua said.

The insecurity incidents have led to loss of lives and livestock, leaving a trail of destruction in the area.

Mr Gachagua said the Government is mobilising security organs to address the concerns.

Asked about intervention to incessant road carnage at Nithi Bridge on the Chuka-Meru Road in Tharaka Nithi County, the Deputy President reiterated Government's commitment to the redesigning of the bridge.

He said the programme is on course.

"On Nithi bridge road accidents, the Principal Secretary recently told me that the new design is almost over. I apologise to Meru and Tharaka people for the delay. I will do a follow-up again. It is an emotive matter as many people have died in that bridge. The President made a promise and it is my mandate to follow up," he said.

Early September, 12 people were killed at the bridge in a crash involving a van and a pickup truck.

Regarding stalled development projects in the region, Mr Gachagua said they will be completed.

"We are pushing for the completion of the projects. The leaders should shift their focus on development and end politics so that in the remaining three(3) years we can at least complete the stalled projects. We have space to work if we leave politics. We have the economic charters signed with the people in different counties during campaigns. We should work on the implementation of those charters," he pleaded.

He also spoke about Miraa and Muguka businesses in local and in foreign markets, where he said the Government is addressing concerns of the traders and farmers.

"Muguka is a cash crop. Let us wait for a decision of the ongoing talks between the leaders. During campaigns we promised that Kenya's ambassador for Miraa buying countries would be from Meru and the President appointed Kubai Iringo. We are expanding the foreign market. We are  still following on the market issues in Somalia and Djibouti," he said.

The Deputy President further commended President William Ruto for establishing the National Working Committee to review the New University Education Funding Model following public concerns.

Mr Gachagua said the President's decision to form the University Education Review Committee has enhanced public participation and improved access to quality and affordable university education and technical training.

"On University funding model, we rolled out a new programme and the public complained. I am grateful that President William Ruto formed a taskforce to check on the complaints and come up with recommendations. It was a good move as we have entrenched public participation on the issue," he said.

The taskforce led by Prof Japheth Micheni Ntiba as the chairperson, is tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the funding mechanisms that impact university and Technical, Vocational Education, and Training (TVET) institutions.