NAIROBI –President William Ruto has assured residents of Kenya’s Lower Eastern region that they will receive an equal share of national resources, saying his government would not sideline any part of the country in its development agenda.
“I will not allow Ukambani to be left behind,” President Ruto said on Wednesday at State House, Nairobi. “We shall move together as one nation.”
He was speaking to more than 1,500 leaders and professionals from Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties a region often referred to as Ukambani in a wide-ranging discussion on development and service delivery.
The President’s remarks come at a time when questions around resource distribution continue to stir debate in counties seen as politically marginalized.
Big Promises for Big Projects
Ruto laid out a string of government projects either underway or planned for the region, touching on housing, infrastructure, energy, land, water, and agriculture.
He highlighted the Affordable Housing Programme as a central pillar of his government’s vision, stating that over 6,400 housing units are being built across Ukambani. These include 166 in Kitui, 365 in Wote, 900 in Makindu, and a further 5,000 in Mavoko.
He described the housing plan as “bold” and long overdue. “This programme will change Kenya for good. In 10 to 15 years, we will have eradicated slums not just in Nairobi, but across the country,” he said.
Critics have questioned the financial feasibility and land allocation for the housing projects, but Ruto insisted his government would not shy away from tough decisions. “A country is not built on political convenience. I will see this through, whatever the consequences,” he said.
Roads, Water, and Electricity
The President announced that KSh5.6 billion has been allocated to connect 60,000 households in the three counties to electricity within this financial year.
In Kitui, residents affected by the construction of the Kibwezi-Kitui road will receive KSh1.5 billion in compensation, he said, addressing a long-standing grievance in the area.
On water, Ruto promised an additional KSh6 billion to ensure the completion of the Thwake Multipurpose Dam. The project first launched more than a decade ago is seen as critical to addressing water scarcity in the semi-arid region.
Cotton Revival and Land Titles
To revitalise agriculture, especially cotton farming, Ruto said the government had distributed 6,000 tonnes of seed to farmers in the three counties. “We want to bring back cotton and give our farmers a reliable source of income,” he said.
He also announced the processing of 40,000 land title deeds for the region, which he said would be handed over to residents soon a move likely aimed at resolving historical land ownership issues.
Health Coverage Still Lagging
Ruto took a moment to address concerns around the Social Health Authority (SHA), the new public medical insurance scheme. Registration in the region, he admitted, remains low at 35% in Machakos, 28% in Makueni, and just 22% in Kitui.
He blamed misinformation from some political quarters. “Do not buy the falsehoods being peddled in the media by politicians. SHA is working,” the President said.
To tackle drug shortages in public hospitals, he revealed that part of the SHA contributions would now go directly to the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA). The agency will also shift from distributing medicine via county headquarters and instead deliver directly to public hospitals a change aimed at cutting delays.
Looking Ahead: A Mega Plant for Kitui
In a nod to future investment, Ruto said he would later this year commission a KSh40 billion clinker manufacturing plant in Kitui. If completed, it would be among the largest in the country and could boost the region’s economy by creating jobs and attracting related industries.
Religious and Political Leaders Present
Among those present were Catholic Bishop Norman Wambua, AIC Bishop Abraham Mulwa, and ABC Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki. Also in attendance were Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, National Security Advisor Monica Juma, and MPs, MCAs, and local county officials.
Speaker of the Kitui County Assembly Kevin Katisya and his Machakos counterpart Ann Kiusya also joined the meeting, alongside veteran politician David Musila.
President Ruto’s latest outreach appears to be part of a broader push to shore up support in regions where his political backing remains lukewarm. For residents of Ukambani, the test will be in delivery not just promises.
