President Ruto’s Nairobi Tour Sets Stage for Mount Kenya Visit

By Lezen Barnaba

President William Ruto’s recent week-long development tour of Nairobi County has set the tone for his upcoming five-day visit to the Mount Kenya region.

The Nairobi tour, conducted in partnership with Governor Johnson Sakaja and host of elected leaders, showcased a series of transformative projects aimed at addressing urban challenges, and now the President is turning his attention to the voter-rich Mount Kenya region amid rising political and economic concerns.

During his Nairobi tour last week, President Ruto unveiled major initiatives in urban renewal, affordable housing, environmental conservation, education, and economic empowerment.

Key highlights included the launch of the KSh 50 billion Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, which aims to rehabilitate the polluted river while creating 40,000 jobs.

He also inspected affordable housing projects in Shauri Moyo and launched the Dishi na County school feeding program in Kamukunji to improve student performance in informal settlements.

The week concluded with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Umoja Sewerage System in Embakasi West, which will connect over 50,000 households to proper sanitation.

These initiatives underscored the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods and infrastructure in urban areas.

President Ruto’s upcoming visit to Mount Kenya is seen as a crucial step in consolidating support in a region that overwhelmingly voted for him during the 2022 elections but has grown increasingly restless over unfulfilled promises.

According to reports, residents are eager for tangible development projects amid concerns about the high cost of living, fluctuating agricultural prices, and proposed crop taxes.

The visit will cover counties such as Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri.

Key projects expected to be launched include roads, water and irrigation systems, markets under the Soko Mjinga Economic Stimulus Programme, and a Kenya Medical Training College.

Additionally, President Ruto will address stalled projects initiated by previous administrations.

Observers note that this tour is not just about development but also about politics.

Mount Kenya remains a critical stronghold for the Kenya Kwanza administration as President Ruto eyes re-election in 2027.

However, internal tensions within his coalition have surfaced recently. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been vocal about asserting his influence as the region’s political kingpin while addressing issues like coffee reforms and tea earnings for farmers.

The tour comes at a time when opposition leaders have accused President Ruto of rebranding projects initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta instead of launching new ones.

Critics argue that most of the announced projects were already underway before Ruto took office.

During his Mount Kenya visit, President Ruto is expected to focus on his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by engaging with local leaders and the private sector.

Residents hope for solutions to pressing issues such as skyrocketing fertilizer prices and better market access for agricultural produce.

The region’s economy heavily relies on farming, making reforms in agriculture a top priority.

As part of his itinerary, President Ruto will host interdenominational prayers on Sunday before meeting regional leaders on Monday.

The visit aims to reassure residents that their concerns are being addressed while showcasing ongoing government efforts to deliver on campaign promises.

President William Ruto’s development tours highlight his administration’s focus on addressing grassroots challenges through infrastructure development and economic reforms.

While last week’s Nairobi tour demonstrated progress in urban renewal and social programs, the upcoming Mount Kenya visit will test his ability to navigate political tensions and deliver meaningful change in one of Kenya’s most influential regions.

With mounting expectations from residents and growing scrutiny from critics, this tour could shape public perception ahead of the 2027 elections