President Ruto tours Ukambani, pledges development projects

Speaking during a church service in Mwingi, Ruto said several roads requested by local leaders and residents had been included in the government’s development programme, with some projects already underway and others scheduled to begin in the coming days.

President William Ruto has announced a number of road construction projects in Kitui and neighbouring counties, alongside plans to launch a KSh70 billion clinker manufacturing plant as he stepped up his development agenda in the region.

Speaking during a church service in Mwingi, Ruto said several roads requested by local leaders and residents had been included in the government’s development programme, with some projects already underway and others scheduled to begin in the coming days.

“I am coming to launch a major clinker company in this area. God has blessed us with various resources. Now we are here in a place where we can get a clinker plant,” he said

He said construction has started on the Vonza-Kiusyani road, which will eventually extend to Chandula, while another road linking Kandwia, Kyuso and Tseikuru towards Usueni is set to begin construction.

The President also announced plans to commence construction of the Machinery Road in Kibwezi East, Makueni, saying residents had requested improved road connectivity in the area.

He said the road projects are part of efforts to open up rural areas, improve connectivity and support economic activity by linking communities to markets and other essential services.

Ruto said the clinker project currently supports more than 3,000 workers and is expected to create about 4,000 jobs for young people once the plant is completed.

The President said the government is also exploring investment opportunities around the Mui Basin, where another major industrial project will be developed in partnership with local leaders and communities.

Ruto urged political leaders to put aside political differences and concentrate on attracting investments, saying increased investment was critical to creating jobs and growing the country’s wealth.

“We must keep petty politics out of our investors and our investment opportunities as a nation,” he said.

Ruto said increased investment will help expand employment opportunities, generate foreign exchange and accelerate economic growth.

He also pointed to investments in other parts of the country, including a factory in West Pokot, where he said 2,500 young people had secured jobs, as well as projects under construction in Taita Taveta and a refinery in Lamu.

The President said his administration will continue working with investors and local leaders to ensure different parts of the country benefit from major development projects and economic opportunities.