President William Ruto has announced a Sh30 billion development package for Makueni County, saying the government remains committed to delivering projects across the country regardless of political affiliation.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Makueni led by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, the President said every part of Kenya would benefit from the government’s development agenda.
He said the projects are aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding access to essential services and stimulating economic growth in the county.
“No part of the country will be left behind in our transformation journey,” President Ruto said.
Affordable housing and market projects
The President said the government is investing approximately Sh15 billion in affordable housing, the construction of 11 modern markets, and student hostels for universities and colleges within Makueni County.
According to Ruto, the investments are expected to create employment opportunities, improve trading spaces for small-scale businesses and expand access to affordable accommodation for students.
He said the affordable housing programme continues to play a dual role of addressing the country’s housing deficit while generating jobs for thousands of Kenyans.
Roads to improve connectivity
The President also announced that Sh2.7 billion has been allocated for road infrastructure in Makueni during the current financial year.
Among the projects already underway are the Emali–Matiliku Road and the Ukia–Kyuasini–Kyaambeke Road, which are expected to improve transport and ease movement of goods and people across the county.
He added that construction of the Machinery–Kyumani Road and the Wote–Kako Road will begin shortly as part of efforts to strengthen the region’s transport network.
The government says the improved roads will support trade, agriculture and access to essential public services.
Sh10.6 billion for Thwake Dam
To address persistent water shortages and unlock the agricultural potential of the lower Eastern region, President Ruto said the government has secured Sh10.6 billion to complete the Thwake Dam, located along the border of Makueni and Kitui counties.
The dam is expected to provide water for domestic use, irrigation and industrial development while enhancing food production in the semi-arid region.
The President described the project as one of the key investments that will transform livelihoods by increasing water availability for households and farmers.
Government highlights healthcare investment
On healthcare, Ruto said the Social Health Authority (SHA) has already paid Sh2 billion to hospitals in Makueni County for services offered under the national health insurance programme.
He noted that the payments are intended to improve access to quality healthcare while ensuring hospitals have adequate resources to continue offering services.
The government has continued to encourage Kenyans to register with SHA as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage.
Leaders pledge support for government agenda
The delegation from Makueni pledged to support the government’s development programme, arguing that the county and the wider Ukambani region have lagged behind because of divisive politics.
MP Mwengi Mutuse said local leaders had resolved to work closely with the Kenya Kwanza administration to accelerate development and improve the livelihoods of residents.
He also announced that they had resolved to abandon the Wiper Democratic Movement in favour of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“We have agreed to ditch the Wiper party, a small tribal party, for UDA, a national political party,” Mutuse said.
Aspiring Senator Andrew Mutava Mulwa echoed the sentiments, saying leaders from the region are seeking closer cooperation with the national government to fast-track development.
State Department for Aviation Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika praised the government’s ongoing projects in Makueni, while Prof. Philip Kyalo Kaloki said residents had chosen to work with the administration to accelerate socio-economic transformation.
