Kenya's Deputy President Kindiki has announced the government's commitment to fast-tracking the construction of 400 modern markets nationwide, including 21 in Meru County, as part of efforts to strengthen the rural economy. Kindiki met with women traders in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, pledging government support for small businesses and traders. The completion of Gakoromone Market in Meru was specifically highlighted. Separately, the Kenyan government has launched a Sh3.4 billion initiative aimed at boosting tea exports. Meanwhile, security concerns persist in Mandera East near the Kenya-Somalia border due to tensions between Somali and Jubaland forces. Economic hardships have forced many elderly residents in Ngong', Kajiado County, to live in poor conditions with insufficient food. Other regional issues include ongoing efforts to resolve the longstanding Kenya-Uganda border dispute through permanent boundary markers, unemployment concerns in Uasin Gishu County with 42 vacant seats along the Chebarbar-Chereber road posing security risks, and a three-week electricity outage in Majengo, Uasin Gishu, which has prompted protests.