President William Ruto is set to embark on a crucial development tour of the Ukambani region in April, following a high-level meeting with local leaders at State House, Nairobi. The tour will focus on addressing key developmental concerns and strengthening collaboration between the national government and local leadership.
The meeting, held on Thursday, brought together Kenya Kwanza lawmakers and top government officials from Ukambani, where they reviewed ongoing projects and identified priority areas needing acceleration. Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, who attended the meeting, confirmed that the President is keen on direct engagement with community leaders from the region.
According to Mutua, Ruto’s visit will include stops in Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties. The primary objective is to bolster local development initiatives, ensure the efficient delivery of government services, and address pressing infrastructural needs.
“We must work as a cohesive team to deliver services and development to Wananchi,” President Ruto stated, underlining the importance of unity among Ukambani leaders.
Among the key commitments made ahead of the visit is an allocation of Ksh5.2 billion for road projects in Ukambani in the upcoming budget. Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir assured that payments to contractors with pending projects in the region would be fast-tracked to ensure work resumes before Ruto’s tour.
A significant highlight of the discussions was the establishment of a higher learning institution in Makueni County. Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse urged the President to grant a university charter to South Eastern Kenya University in Wote. Ruto is expected to officiate this initiative, marking a major milestone in expanding higher education opportunities in the region.
Infrastructure development remains a top priority, with calls for additional funding to facilitate the tarmacking of the Emali-Ukia road and the Chuluni-Zombe-Mwitika-Endau road in Kitui County. These projects aim to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
The meeting also emphasized unity among local leaders to propel development forward. “Going forward, we shall be working in unity to realize development for our people,” Mutuse affirmed.
Before his Ukambani tour, President Ruto is also scheduled to visit the Mt. Kenya region on April 1, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to nationwide development.
