President William Ruto has moved to assure the restive Mt Kenya region that they have not been left behind in government interventions, dismissing claims of neglect.
The President gave a detailed account of multibillion-shilling investments rolled out in the region on infrastructure, housing and healthcare.
Speaking during a service at PCEA Joshua Matenjwa Memorial Church in Limuru, Kiambu, Ruto exuded confidence that his administration had delivered on its campaign promises and was on track to fulfil county-specific development charters.
The President’s remarks came amid sustained criticism from political detractors, who have been rallying the region to reject him in 2027, alleging marginalisation in favour of opposition strongholds.
Ruto, however, remained steadfast, declaring he would not be distracted by political noise but would instead focus on uniting Kenyans and delivering tangible development.
“It is for this reason that I will unite all Kenyans from all corners, as it is from there that God will bless us as a nation,” he said, invoking biblical teachings on unity.
His message resonated with congregants, whom he praised for their dedication in building a vibrant church, noting that a congregation with active youth participation was a sign of a promising future.
“God works with the busy and the courageous,” he added, emphasising his resolve to work tirelessly for the nation.
The President laid out an extensive list of projects underway in Kiambu county, totalling more than Sh40 billion in road infrastructure alone.
He assured residents stalled road projects had been revived and his administration would continue the legacy of former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta by dualling major highways, including the Mau Summit-Rironi stretch, set for completion by 2027.
“No county has received more funding for roads than Kiambu,” he stated, urging leaders to convene in a month to review the economic charter signed with the region.
Affordable housing emerged as another key pillar of Ruto’s development agenda, with Kiambu set to benefit from 15,000 units, which was deemed as the highest number outside Nairobi.
A further Sh4.5 billion has been allocated for market construction, with Limuru’s Sh500 million facility already tendered and set to begin in two months.
The President framed these initiatives as part of a broader strategy to optimise land use, reduce urban sprawl and create employment.
“We are going to hire 10,000 TVET graduates,” he announced, highlighting the completed technical training college in the region as a hub for vocational skills aligned with housing and infrastructure projects.
Health reforms also featured prominently in Ruto’s address, with the President reiterating that outpatient services at level 1-4 hospitals remain fully subsidised.
“Don’t pay any money. Those charging patients must stop,” he directed, signalling a crackdown on illegal fees.
His administration’s healthcare investments, alongside education and agriculture programmes, formed part of what he termed a holistic approach to uplifting livelihoods.
The President’s delivery call was echoed by local leaders, who rallied behind his vision.
Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Muratha expressed gratitude for his leadership, stating, “At times, people may not understand you. But for those of us who understand where you are taking this country, we want to congratulate you for having a clear agenda.”
Governor Kimani Wamatangi said the county had resolved to shift from politics and focus on development, declaring, “We reduced the volume of politics to zero so that the sound of work is heard.”
He outlined progress in ECDE infrastructure, roads and drainage, while appealing for additional funding for roads.
Tourism CS Rebecca Miano celebrated the country’s resurgence in global tourism and sports.
“Forex inflows are higher, more youths are getting jobs,” she said, pledging unwavering support for Ruto’s transformative agenda.
ICT’s William Kabogo urged resilience against detractors, advising, “In building, there is noise… let it not stop us from working.”
National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah reinforced the sentiment, listing Kiambu’s gains, including 18 new markets to the dualling of key highways—and vowing to “shut our ears to the noise.”
He hailed rising earnings for milk and coffee farmers as evidence of Ruto’s effective policies for farmers, especially in Mt Kenya, which is a key food basket.
While Ruto consolidated support in Mt Kenya, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was in Kwale drumming up backing for the President’s re-election.
Kindiki framed the government’s development record as a compelling case for Ruto’s second term, rallying residents to fully back the administration.
Meanwhile, he spotlighted Kenya’s revived sports sector, crediting government investments for the successful hosting of CHAN after a 38-year drought in international tournaments.
“Talanta Stadium is evidence of how Kenya is on the rise,” he said, underscoring the administration’s legacy as going beyond infrastructure.
The DP defended the economic empowerment programmes he is spearheading, rallying the residents to hand Ruto a second term in office when elections are called in 2027.
Ruto's estranged former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, has been rallying the residents of Mt Kenya to deny the incumbent a second term in office.
The former DP has argued that the region was being sidelined in matters of development and that the ruling regime had taken resources to the opposition zones.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Ruto’s message in Kiambu was clear that his government would press ahead with development, undeterred by political friction. And from his sentiments, more billions would be added to those already flowing into Mt Kenya. Ruto is framing his tenure as one of action, unity, and equitable growth. Whether this would quell the dissent within the restive backyard remains to be seen.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!