President William Ruto interacting with residents in Kajiado on September 5, 2026/PCS
President William Ruto has launched the rehabilitation of the Nguruman Block A Irrigation Project in Kajiado County, with the government committing Sh500 million to put 2,000 acres of land under irrigation.
Speaking during his development tour of the county on September 5, Ruto said the project will boost agricultural production and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
He also addressed concerns over access to basic services in Magadi amid a dispute over the operations of Tata Chemicals.
Ruto said the Ministry of Water will restore water supply to Magadi residents by next week after services were reportedly disrupted.
He directed the ministry to ensure residents regain the water supply they previously received.
The President said the government was committed to ensuring that local people benefit from resources found in their area.
“Our priority is to ensure that the people of Magadi benefit meaningfully from the resources in their land and that investors operate responsibly and contribute to the local economy,” Ruto said.
He also announced that the Kajiado County Government will take over operations of the local hospital in Magadi Town to ensure residents continue receiving health services.
Ruto further said the government will return 90 per cent of the 240,000 acres of land he said was appropriated by colonial authorities for Magadi Soda Mining.
“We will return to the local community 90 per cent of the 240,000 acres that were unjustly appropriated by the colonial authorities for Magadi Soda Mining,” he said.President William Ruto interacting with residents in Kajiado on September 5, 2026/PCS
He added that the government will accelerate the issuance of title deeds to residents in the area.
The President’s remarks on Magadi’s mineral resources come after he ordered Tata Chemicals to end its operations in the area, saying the existing arrangement had short-changed Kenyans.
The government has since said it wants local communities to benefit more meaningfully from the resources found on their land, while ensuring investors contribute to the local economy.President William Ruto interacting with residents in Kajiado on September 5, 2026/PCSPresident William Ruto in Kajiado on September 5, 2026/PCSPresident William Ruto in Kajiado on September 5, 2026/PCSPresident William Ruto in Kajiado on September 5, 2026/PCSKajiado countyKajiado County