President William Ruto has announced plans for the construction of a dual carriageway connecting Nairobi, Nakuru, and eventually extending to Eldoret and Malaba, set to begin in 2025. This ambitious infrastructure project aims to alleviate chronic traffic congestion on one of Kenya’s busiest highways and enhance connectivity along the critical corridor. The announcement was made at Kipkorgot AIC Church in Uasin Gishu, where the President highlighted the need for improved travel routes to facilitate faster movement of goods and people, which, in turn, would boost trade and reduce travel times.
The move comes amid mounting public frustration, particularly during the holiday season, when traffic jams often lead to hours-long delays for motorists. By embarking on the construction of this vital road, President Ruto hopes to ease congestion and bolster the economy, addressing a long-standing concern for commuters and businesses in the region.
Economic Progress and Healthcare Initiatives
In his address, President Ruto also emphasized Kenya’s economic progress, citing lower inflation rates, increased exports, and improved food security as key achievements of his administration. A significant part of this progress has been attributed to government subsidies on agricultural inputs, which have led to increased local food production and reduced the need for maize and sugar imports.
On the healthcare front, Ruto reaffirmed his government’s commitment to implementing a new health insurance plan, which he described as a ‘game-changer’ for Kenya’s healthcare sector. He expressed confidence that the initiative would provide long-term benefits to Kenyans, ensuring better access to healthcare services for all.
Nationwide Livestock Vaccination Program
Another focus of President Ruto’s administration is the nationwide livestock vaccination program, aimed at preventing diseases such as foot and mouth disease. The President defended the program against criticism, emphasizing that the vaccine is produced locally at Kabete, one of the largest vaccine facilities in Africa, and is even exported to other countries. He urged critics not to politicize the initiative, stressing its importance in safeguarding the livestock economy and ensuring the health of the national herd.
Ruto also addressed concerns about the program, stating, “The vaccine is safe, and it is critical for maintaining the health of our livestock industry. It will also help prevent economic losses due to disease outbreaks.” The government’s commitment to the program reflects its broader efforts to bolster the agricultural sector and enhance food security for the country.
National Unity and Political Inclusion
In addition to economic and healthcare initiatives, President Ruto discussed his decision to include opposition leaders in his administration, a move aimed at fostering national unity and reducing political divisions. He highlighted that this decision was informed by lessons learned from previous periods of unrest and protests, emphasizing that including diverse voices in the government would help ensure stability and promote development across the country.
This decision to expand the government and include leaders from various political backgrounds underscores Ruto’s commitment to a more inclusive approach to governance. The President urged leaders and citizens to embrace unity and focus on development, stating, “We need to work together to overcome challenges, and our government is committed to listening to all sides while pursuing progress.”
Call for Church Involvement in Combating Gender-Based Violence
In a bid to address social issues, President Ruto also called on religious institutions to play a more active role in combating gender-based violence and femicide. He appealed to churches to help instill moral values in children and build stronger foundations within communities, aiming to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. Ruto’s plea underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling social issues and promoting a more stable and peaceful society.
Through these initiatives, President Ruto’s administration seeks to strengthen infrastructure, enhance economic resilience, and ensure the well-being of Kenyans while also fostering unity and stability in the face of ongoing challenges. As the country prepares for the start of the dual carriageway project, these efforts reflect a broader vision for Kenya’s future, aimed at enhancing connectivity and driving development across the region.
