Ruto rallies eastern leaders for bold infrastructure push

By ENOCK KIGENT

President William Ruto on Monday hosted a high-level consultative meeting with leaders from Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties at State House, Nairobi, as part of a broader agenda to align national development with local priorities.

The discussions centered on key infrastructure projects aimed at boosting regional transformation, including roads, water access, education, affordable housing, and market development.

“We are aligning our development agenda with the priorities of the people through continuous consultation,” President Ruto said. “Our objective is to deliver inclusive growth from the bottom going up.”

The leaders present expressed support for the government’s bottom-up economic model and urged for swift implementation of projects, particularly in sectors that directly impact rural livelihoods.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., who attended the meeting, said, “Our people need better roads, water, and markets. We are here to ensure that these needs are reflected in national planning.”

The President emphasized that inclusive development requires a unified approach between national and county governments. He pledged continued engagement with local leaders to ensure that no region is left behind.

State House later released a statement confirming that follow-up frameworks are being established to fast-track project implementation across the three counties.

The meeting reflects the administration’s push to deepen devolution and drive regional development through targeted investments, especially in historically underfunded areas.