Ruto: Why I have not visited Mt Kenya for six months

President William Ruto has defended his prolonged absence from the Mt Kenya region, stating that he has been focusing on addressing national economic challenges and implementing his administration’s development agenda.

Speaking in a media interview on Monday, Ruto dismissed claims that he had deliberately avoided the region, calling them hypothetical.

“I have come here to the mountain after six months. In January, I went to Northern Kenya, where I had not visited since the elections—that’s two years. I haven’t been to Ukambani for almost a year. Since we were elected, we have faced many challenges, and I had to plan how to address them,” he said.

The head of state is set to embark on a five-day tour of Mt Kenya starting Tuesday, April 1, during which he will visit nine counties. This will be his first tour of the region since the impeachment of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. His last visit was in August 2024.

According to the President, his return to the Mt Kenya region is to fulfill the work entrusted to him by the people of Kenya, particularly those from Central Kenya. He assured residents that the results of his administration’s efforts will be evident as he embarks on the journey starting Tuesday, April 1.

“I have come here because there is work I was entrusted with by the people of Kenya, and there is work I was entrusted with by the people of Central Kenya. This work will be seen as either truth or lies when we begin this journey tomorrow,” Ruto said.

He dismissed any rumors or distractions, emphasising that he has a solid report card to present on the ground. “Forget about the stories. I have a report that can be seen on the ground to show whether the work has been done or not.”

Ruto also highlighted his long-standing relationship with the region, pointing out that his ties with the people of Mt Kenya go beyond a few months.

“I have been walking through Mt Kenya for 20 years. This friendship I have built with the people here is not a friendship of a few months or days; it is a friendship of years. And that kind of friendship cannot be judged in a few months,” he said.

The Head of State also highlighted his administration’s efforts in stabilising the economy, citing a drop in inflation to 3.5 per cent.

“We have ensured that we have addressed issues related to fuel prices and maize flour so that we can control Kenya’s economy,” he said.

During the tour, Ruto will commission completed projects, inspect ongoing ones, and launch new initiatives focusing on infrastructure, industrialisation, and economic growth. He is also scheduled to oversee the issuance of title deeds in Kieni (Nyeri) and Tigania West (Meru) and inspect the construction of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPS) in Laikipia West and Githunguri (Kiambu). In Maragua (Murang’a), he will review the progress of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

“The national government and counties are working together to construct 47 CAIPS, one in each county, for Sh500 million each. Both levels of government are sharing the cost to provide the necessary space and infrastructure for investors in manufacturing and agricultural value addition,” a statement from State House read.

The government is also constructing six new Special Economic Zones in Dongo Kundu (Mombasa), Sagana (Kirinyaga), Thika (Kiambu), Naivasha (Nakuru), Eldoret (Uasin Gishu), and Nasewa (Busia) to enhance industrial growth.

Ruto will also inspect water, sanitation, and sewerage projects in Igembe South (Meru), Maragua (Murang’a), and Mbeere North (Embu). Additionally, he will visit livestock feedlots in Tigania West and South Imenti (Meru) to strengthen the livestock value chain for export markets.

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Another key stop will be JM Memorial Hospital in Ol Kalou (Nyandarua), which the national and county governments plan to complete. It will be the only Level 5 hospital in the county.

In Tharaka-Nithi, the president will commission new police housing in Chuka Igambang’ombe and inspect student hostels at Tharaka University. He will also assess the progress of the Kiambere Bulk Water Project in Mbeere South (Embu) and the Mau Mau Road construction in Lari (Kiambu).

The Mau Mau roads, traversing the Aberdare and Mt Kenya forests in Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyandarua, and Nyeri counties, have received Sh5 billion for development.

As part of the affordable housing agenda, Ruto will inspect projects in Laikipia East, Ol Kalou, Kinangop (Nyandarua), Kandara, Maragua (Murang’a), Chuka Igambang’ombe (Tharaka-Nithi), and Nyeri Town.

He will also review modern fresh produce markets at various completion stages in Kieni (Nyeri), Laikipia East, Igembe South, Tigania East (Meru), Kirinyaga Central, Kinangop (Nyandarua), and Chuka Igambang’ombe (Tharaka-Nithi), among others.

Emphasising his commitment to the region, Ruto assured residents that he would be a frequent visitor.

“87 markets are being constructed here in the Mt Kenya region. Tomorrow, I will launch a market worth Sh300 million in Nanyuki town. It has taken me six months to come here. What matters is that I am now here, and I have a report card—on the status of roads, what I am doing about coffee, tea, and milk,” he said.

“I will travel across this region frequently that you will start asking me whether I have nowhere else to go!”