President William Ruto has said his administration is implementing multi-billion-shilling projects in infrastructure, energy and social sectors as part of efforts to accelerate development in Murang’a County.
Speaking during a tour of the county, the Head of State said the government would not allow key projects to stall, vowing to complete the Sh30 billion Mau Mau road to improve connectivity and boost economic activity.
“We must ensure that the Mau Mau road project does not stop until it is fully completed,” Ruto said, adding that other feeder roads would also be prioritised.
The 540-kilometre road project, which runs from Kiambu through Murang’a and Nyandarua to Nyeri, has stalled since 2022 and has been under intermittent construction due to funding constraints.
The President also announced that Sh1.1 billion has been allocated for electricity connectivity in 2026, targeting at least 1,104 new households. He noted that 1,307 homes have been connected over the past three years.
Speaking while launching the Sh896 million Kiriko-Kagumo-ini-Gitugi-Chui-Karugia road, Ruto said the initiative is aimed at achieving universal access to electricity in the county.
“We want to make sure every citizen has electricity in their home,” he said, noting that access to power remains a key pillar in driving rural development and supporting small-scale enterprises.
Ruto further outlined plans to expand market infrastructure, saying 23 modern markets are under construction in Murang’a for Sh2.5 billion, including facilities at Kagumo-ini and Gikoe.
He added that local leaders had also requested an additional market at Iruri shopping centre, a proposal the government is considering.
In the sports sector, the President said Sh900 million has been allocated for the construction of Mumbi Stadium in Murang’a Town, noting that the facility would enhance sports development and nurture local talent.
“Murang’a is part of Kenya’s journey to progress, and we must continue pushing development forward,” he said.
In healthcare, Ruto announced that Sh200 million has been set aside for the upgrade of Kenneth Matiba Hospital, which is being undertaken by the Kenya Defence Forces. The upgrade will include expanded emergency services and increased bed capacity to improve service delivery.
He also praised Murang’a residents for embracing the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that more than 274,000 people have enrolled, placing the county sixth nationally. He urged more residents to register, saying the programme is meant to protect families from high medical costs.
“We do not want citizens to sell their land or livestock to pay hospital bills. Healthcare must be covered through a reliable system,” he said.
On agriculture, the President focused on coffee farming, acknowledging past exploitation by cartels that depressed farmers’ earnings. He said prices had improved to about Sh150 per kilo, attributing the increase to reforms in the sector.
“Coffee prices will continue to rise because we have put in place proper management and eliminated cartels,” he said.
Ruto also defended his administration’s wider economic interventions, citing the reduction in fertiliser prices and the recruitment of 11,000 teachers over the past three years as measures aimed at easing the cost of living and improving education outcomes.
He further urged residents to reject divisive politics and prioritise performance when electing leaders, emphasising unity as key to national development.
The visit and announcement of the multi-billion-shilling projects are being viewed by some as part of efforts to strengthen support in Murang’a, a Mt Kenya county that backed him strongly in the 2022 General Election.
The President was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, and other local leaders.
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