Kindiki urges Coastal residents to back Ruto's re-election

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged residents of the coastal region to support President William Ruto for a second term, citing government investments worth tens of billions of shillings across Kwale and other counties.

Speaking Saturday during a resource mobilisation event for small-scale traders in Lunga Lunga Constituency, Kwale County, Kindiki said the administration’s development plan is already transforming the region through infrastructure, electricity connectivity, blue economy projects, and affordable housing.

“We are constructing roads, expanding electricity connection, ensuring the blue economy is beneficial to the residents, affordable housing projects are going on, international stadiums, modern markets and empowerment of the youth, women and other development initiatives,” the Deputy President said.

He added that the push for a second term is aimed at sustaining ongoing projects.

“The call for two terms is about sustainable development in roads, electricity connectivity, youth empowerment through NYOTA, women empowerment, the blue economy, and affordable housing,” he noted.

According to Kindiki, the government has invested Sh12.8 billion in the construction of 233 kilometres of new tarmac roads in Kwale County.

Most of the road networks connecting A14 Junction, Lunga Lunga, Vanga, Jego, Majoreni, Kanana, and Shimoni have been completed, opening up trade routes and easing movement. Construction on the Samburu–Kinango and Kinango–Kwale Town roads is ongoing.

An additional Sh13.3 billion has been allocated for modern fresh produce markets, affordable housing units, and student hostels in the county.

The Sh825 million Lunga Lunga One Stop Border Post has also been completed to enhance cross-border trade and facilitate the movement of goods and people.

Kindiki said the government has increased investment in the blue economy, a key source of livelihood for thousands along the Indian Ocean coastline.

“The government has also heightened investment in the blue economy with the construction of the Shimoni Fish Port for 2.7 billion shillings. The port is now complete and operational,” he said.

He disclosed that Sh652 million has been disbursed to Beach Management Units in Kwale County, supporting 221 fisherfolk group business initiatives. In addition, 70 onshore fishing boats and a search and rescue vessel have been provided, while procurement of three deep-sea fishing vessels is underway.

The Sh1.4 billion National Marine Culture Research Centre of Excellence in Shimoni is 70 per cent complete. The Deputy President inspected the works and urged contractors to ensure timely completion and adherence to quality standards.

Also nearing completion is the Sh600 million Maritime Academy and Centre of Excellence for Port Logistics at Kombani, currently at 95 per cent.

The Sh53 million Kibuyuni Fish Landing Site and Seaweed Store has been completed, while the Sh255 million Mwaepe Fish Landing Site is 50 per cent complete.

Under last-mile electricity projects, Kwale County has been allocated Sh1.4 billion to connect 12,800 households, public institutions, and businesses to power. Within Lunga Lunga Constituency, 5,200 households are being connected for Sh472 million. Kindiki said expanded electricity access would stimulate small businesses and enhance economic activity in the region.

The Deputy President also cited the completion of the Sh800 million Kwale Stadium as part of efforts to promote sports and youth development.

“Our opponents always come here and leave without any mention on how they will improve roads, expand electricity or improve the blue economy. They only focus on divisive politics and useless slogans and who should serve for one term. There is no place for them here,” he said.

He was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar, and several Members of Parliament and county leaders.

Among the key projects and their costs in Kwale County are: construction of 233 kilometres of tarmac roads at Sh12.8 billion; modern markets, affordable housing, and student hostels at Sh13.3 billion; Shimoni Fish Port at Sh2.7 billion; National Marine Culture Research Centre of Excellence in Shimoni at Sh1.4 billion; Kombani Maritime Academy for Port Logistics at Sh600 million.

Other projects include Mwaepe Fish Landing Site at Sh255 million; Kibuyuni Fish Landing Site and Seaweed Store at Sh53 million; business grants to Beach Management Units amounting to Sh652 million; Lunga Lunga One Stop Border Post at Sh825 million; Kwale Stadium at Sh800 million; last-mile electricity connectivity for 12,800 households at Sh1.4 billion; and electricity connections for 5,200 households in Lunga Lunga at Sh472 million.

Kindiki maintained that continued support for the current administration would guarantee the completion and sustainability of projects underway across the coastal region.