Ruto spells out his development agenda for Ukambani

The president said all regions should be developed equitably. At the Eastern Kenya Integrated College in Mitaboni, Machakos county, President Ruto said no part of the country will be left behind.

Kenya Kwanza government is particularly targeting the three Ukambani counties of Machakos, Makueni and Kitui for affordable housing and fresh produce market programmes, according to a communique from Presidential Communication Service shared with the media.

President Ruto said his government had set aside KSh 45 billion to fund the construction of affordable houses, building student hostels and developing fresh produce markets in Ukambani.

Further, President Dr William Ruto said that more goodies were lined up in the former Vice President Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka's political home turf.

KSh 5.5 billion has been set aside to build roads in Ukambani while another similar allocation has been made for electricity connections.

"It is not right or fair for any part to remain behind. We are one nation, one people with a common destiny", said the fifth president of Kenya.

President Ruto further said that his government will transform Ukambani's food security through irrigation terming it as the "next frontier ". This, he said, will be helped by completion of Thwake Dam which is in the final stages.

"The next frontier for agricultural transformation is irrigation and Ukambani has huge potential", the president outlined.

During the visit, it was revealed that the Eastern Integrated College had applied for a Letter of Interim Authority and charter to offer degree courses. The Ministry of Education outlined the process they need to follow in order to achieve those dreams.

Of note is that this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations will be held at Ithookwe International Stadium in Kitui County and President Ruto-led government invested KSh 800 million for construction of the state-of-the-art stadium. The town will also benefit from upgrading of infrastructure around the stadium.

The president was accompanied by Labour CS Dr Alfred Mutua, Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, MPs Caleb Mule of Machakos Town, Joshua Mwalyo, Masinga and Kangundo's Fabian Muli.

Also present was former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, MCAs and other county leaders.