President William Ruto has unveiled an ambitious national infrastructure expansion plan, paying glowing tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his visionary leadership in transforming Kenya’s connectivity.
Speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, Ruto described infrastructure as the foundation of Kenya’s economic transformation, emphasizing that future prosperity depends on bold investments in transport and trade networks.
“Baba, who also served as Minister for Roads, Public Works, and Housing under President Mwai Kibaki, often reminded me that no economy can flourish without world-class infrastructure,” Ruto said, referring to Raila.
The President announced plans to dual at least 1,000 kilometres of major highways, including the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba road, Makutano–Embu–Meru road, Kitengela–Namanga road, and the Marua–Nanyuki–Isiolo route. Additionally, the government will construct 10,000 kilometres of new tarmac roads to connect farmers, traders, and manufacturers to markets nationwide.
Ruto also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba, establishing a continuous rail link that connects Kenya with Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“These projects will not only enhance domestic productivity but also position Kenya at the heart of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” the President stated.
Acknowledging potential skepticism, Ruto said that transformative leadership demands boldness, a quality he credited Raila for embodying throughout his career.
“To some, these projects may seem too ambitious, perhaps even out of reach. But this is where bold and visionary leadership, like that of Raila Odinga, comes into play,” he remarked.
During the ceremony, Ruto led the nation in a moment of silence for Raila and posthumously conferred him the Chief of the Golden Heart of Kenya (CGH), the country’s highest honour, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to national development and unity.
