Ruto sets out vision for Ukambani’s inclusive development

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the Ukambani region receives its fair share of national resources. He pledged to prioritise infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and agricultural revitalisation in Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties.

Speaking at a development caucus held at State House, Nairobi, and attended by over 1,500 professionals, grassroots advocates, and religious leaders, President Ruto declared: “I will not allow Ukambani to be left behind. We shall move together as one nation.”

The President acknowledged concerns over the perceived neglect of the Lower Eastern region, emphasising that his government’s agenda is rooted in inclusivity. “The Lower Eastern region deserves its fair share of resources just like the rest of the country,” he stated, dismissing claims of political bias in development allocation.

Prominent attendees included Machakos Catholic Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua and African Inland Church Presiding Bishop Abraham Mulwa, signalling broad-based support for the initiatives.

Key Development Initiatives Unveiled:

• Affordable Housing: Over 6,431 housing units are currently under construction across the region, including 166 in Kitui, 365 in Wote, 900 in Makindu, and 5,000 in Mavoko. Ruto described this as part of a national plan to eradicate slums within 10–15 years, calling it a “transformative” effort that has already employed 200,000 young people nationwide.

• Infrastructure and Energy: Plans include improved electricity access, road compensation, the completion of Thwake Dam, land ownership reforms, and agricultural revival.

• Healthcare and Social Equity: The President urged leaders to increase enrolment in the Social Health Authority (SHA), citing low registration rates—35% in Machakos, 28% in Makueni, and 22% in Kitui. To address drug shortages, a portion of SHA contributions will directly fund Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) purchases, with deliveries bypassing bureaucratic county headquarters. “Do not believe falsehoods that SHA is ineffective. It is working,” Ruto asserted.

• Leadership and Accountability: Ruto criticised previous administrations for making “politically convenient” decisions that hindered development, contrasting that with his own resolve to pursue bold, transformative policies despite potential backlash. He drew comparisons with Singapore’s housing success, stressing that tough decisions are necessary for progress.

• Future Projects and Economic Growth: Later this year, the President will commission a Sh40 billion clinker manufacturing plant in Kitui, expected to drive industrialisation and job creation. This aligns with his broader vision of economic diversification, including plans to revise visa policies to boost tourism.

The pledges represent a strategic effort to consolidate support in a region historically seen as opposition-leaning. By addressing infrastructure gaps, improving healthcare access, and boosting agricultural productivity, Ruto aims to position Ukambani as a cornerstone of Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.