President William Ruto has assured the people of Ukambani that the Lower Eastern region will not be sidelined in Kenya’s national development agenda. Speaking during a meeting with over 1,500 professionals and grassroots leaders from Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties at State House, Nairobi, Ruto emphasized unity and equality in resource allocation.
“I will not allow Ukambani to be left behind. We shall move together as one nation,” Ruto said, highlighting his commitment to inclusivity.
The President outlined several key development projects currently underway in the region. These include the construction of over 6,000 affordable housing units, with 5,000 in Mavoko, 900 in Makindu, 365 in Wote, and 166 in Kitui. He described the Affordable Housing Programme as transformative, pledging to end slums in urban areas within the next 10 to 15 years.
He criticized past leaderships for failing to implement housing projects due to political convenience, vowing to carry through with the plan regardless of opposition. Currently, over 150,000 housing units are under construction nationwide, providing employment to more than 200,000 youth.
On infrastructure and utilities, Ruto announced a Sh5.6 billion allocation to connect over 60,000 households in the three counties to electricity. Additionally, Sh1.5 billion has been set aside for compensating those affected by the Kibwezi-Kitui road construction.
The President revealed that 40,000 title deeds have been processed for residents, and Sh6 billion allocated to complete the Thwake Multipurpose Dam, aimed at resolving regional water challenges.
In agriculture, the government has distributed 6,000 tons of cotton seeds to revive the sector. Ruto also urged locals to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme, addressing low registration rates in the region.
To curb drug shortages, he confirmed that SHA contributions will support Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa) operations, with direct delivery of drugs to health facilities.
Looking ahead, Ruto said he would commission a Sh40 billion clinker plant in Kitui later this year, a move expected to boost local industry and job creation.
The event was attended by senior government officials, religious leaders, and regional politicians, underlining the importance of Ukambani in national planning.
