Calls for patriotism take center stage as Ruto backs devolution in Kilifi

President William Ruto has highlighted his recent calls for patriotism and collaboration in advancing Kenya's development, emphasising the pivotal role of counties in driving progress.

Speaking at the launch of the Kilifi International Investment Conference held at Vipingo Ridge, Ruto praised Kilifi County as a beacon of the promise that devolution holds for bottom-up economic transformation.

"There cannot be a progressive Kenya without our thriving counties. Kilifi embodies the promise of devolution to unlock the grassroots for better opportunities.," he said,

The President further urged counties to apply for the national government's commodities fund, noting that Kilifi could use the money to support the growing of new cashew nut varieties.

He also said that the government had earmarked 10,000 affordable housing units for Kilifi to enhance the county's stature as an investment and economic hub.

This comes barely a day after he assented to the Division of Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2024 which allocates an additional Sh7 billion to counties as the equitable revenue share for the 2024-2025 Financial Year.

Amid growing calls from the cabinet for constructive engagement with government initiatives, Ruto also highlighted the need for citizens to evaluate projects based on their merits.

"If you want to be a grandfather you must allow your daughter to be married. As a country, we cannot keep opposing government projects without looking at the benefits they offer," he said, reiterating similar sentiments from Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.

Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir also cast his hat into the ring by encouraging a thoughtful discourse on national matters.

"A nation cannot be built by haphazard arguments. It requires deliberate effort, collaboration, and a shared vision," he stated.