The government is pumping more than KSh110 billion into projects designed to transform daily life for the people of Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni, President William Ruto announced calling it the single largest investment any administration has ever made in the region.
Speaking at the Kitui State Lodge, where he met over 10,000 grassroots leaders, Ruto said the development push is not simply about numbers on a budget line but about improving how families live, work, and access basic services.
“This is the highest amount ever invested in Ukambani at one go,” he said. “And you are all witnesses.”
Housing, Markets, and Student Hostels: “A New Lifestyle for Families”
A major share of the funds KSh64 billion is going into building:
44,000 affordable housing units,
39 modern markets, and
15,000-bed student hostels.
Ruto said these projects will not only renew towns across the region but also put money directly in the pockets of young people through construction jobs and new business opportunities.
“With affordable housing, we are changing the landscape and the lifestyle of Kenyans,” he said. “And we’re doing it with our own resources.”
The event was attended by top government officials, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Labour CS Alfred Mutua, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, National Security Advisor Monica Juma, and former Kitui Senator David Musila, among others.
Roads, Power, and Water: Building the Basics First
The President outlined additional investments designed to strengthen the region’s infrastructure:
- KSh30 billion to upgrade 600km of roads in the first phase
- KSh6.7 billion to connect 51,000 households to electricity within six months
- KSh9.6 billion to complete the Thwake Multipurpose Dam, now in its final stages
- KSh230 million for the completion of Umaa Dam by next year
- KSh700 million in compensation for families affected by the Muwongoni Dam project
He also assured residents that the massive High Grand Falls Dam, one of Kenya’s most ambitious water projects, remains a top national priority.
“We Need a National Infrastructure Fund”
Despite the progress, Ruto noted that many communities still lack basic services like clean drinking water, reliable electricity, and accessible roads.
To address these gaps nationwide, he said he will push for the establishment of a National Infrastructure Fund during his upcoming State of the Nation Address.
The new fund aims to raise KSh4.5 trillion to finance:
20,000km of new tarmac roads,
50 mega dams for irrigation,
Power generation of 10,000MW in 5–10 years.
Jobs, Factories, and a Stadium
In a major economic boost for Kitui, the President announced he will commission a KSh40 billion clinker and cement factory in Mwingi early next year a project expected to create 5,000 local jobs.
He also committed to:
Breaking ground on a KSh800 million stadium in Machakos Town,
Completing the tragic Enziu Bridge with a fresh KSh230 million allocation before the next rainy season.
Ruto assured local leaders that none of the initiated projects would stall, saying the government has secured the necessary resources for completion.
Security and Youth Opportunities
To tackle insecurity in parts of the region, he instructed the Ministry of Defence to explore the establishment of a new military camp as a buffer zone.
He further urged young people to apply for NYOTA a new programme that offers a KSh50,000 grant to support youth-led businesses and entrepreneurship.
“Politics Must Grow Up”
In a pointed message to his critics, Ruto said Kenyans are no longer moved by empty political slogans.
“We have raised the bar of leadership in Kenya. It is no longer about personalities and slogans, but about agenda and plans for Kenya,” he said.
As he wrapped up his tour, the President said the massive investments underway in Ukambani are only the beginning promising a future where reliable water, accessible roads, jobs, and modern housing become the everyday reality for families across the region.
