President William Ruto has assured Kenyans of an all-inclusive country in matters of development, saying no region will be marginalised or left behind.
He made the assurance during a church service at ACK St Martin's Cathedral in Kitui on Sunday, where he criticized tribal politics for derailing the country's progress.
“People of Kitui also pay taxes like any other, there is no way a leader, because of his small politics, can hinder development projects for the people of Kenya,” he said.
The President revealed that the country has acquired Sh10.6 billion for the completion of the Thwake Dam, which is set to be commissioned by April 2027.
He added that bad politics are a major hindrance to development, which would have taken the country to a first-world status.
Ruto further defended the National Infrastructure Fund, saying the government will be able to fast-track development projects more sustainably.
“Now we can be able to construct our roads, plan dams, airports, and logistics, now we have a clear plan,” he said.
He noted that through the Fund, the government has been able to collect Sh350 billion, which can be used for commercially viable projects.
The President was accompanied by Labor and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika, and State Department for Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke.
“We have had bad politics of alliances, victimization, and hate that is what has destroyed our country from moving forward,” he said.
Ruto urged leaders to prioritize the needs of the people over their personal interests.
On Tuesday, the President inspected the construction of the Zombe Modern Market and the upgrading of the 25km Chuluni-Zombe road.
The completion of the Thwake Dam, which is part of the larger Galana-Kulalu irrigation project, is expected to boost the country's agricultural production and provide employment opportunities for thousands of Kenyans.
The National Infrastructure Fund, which was established last year, aims to provide a sustainable source of funding for infrastructure development projects, including roads, energy, and water projects.
The fund has already mobilized Sh350 billion for commercially viable projects, which are expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Ruto's assurance comes at a time when the country is grappling with issues of tribal politics and regional marginalization.
In the past, various regions in the country have complained of being left behind in terms of development and resource allocation.
The President's promise to fast-track development projects using the National Infrastructure Fund is seen as a major boost to the country's development efforts.
And by committing to leave no region behind, Ruto is sending a strong signal that the government is committed to inclusive development and the welfare of all Kenyans.
But critics have raised concerns that the President's promise may be difficult to achieve, given the entrenched tribal politics in the country.
Key Facts
- Sh10.6 billion has been acquired for the completion of the Thwake Dam.
- The dam is set to be commissioned by April 2027.
- The National Infrastructure Fund has mobilized Sh350 billion for commercially viable projects.
- The fund aims to provide a sustainable source of funding for infrastructure development projects.
- Ruto's assurance comes at a time when the country is grappling with issues of tribal politics and regional marginalization.