In a determined move to drive economic transformation and development in one of Kenya’s most vibrant regions, President William Ruto has embarked on a development tour across Mt. Kenya. The tour—an integral part of his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda—aims to commission completed projects, inspect ongoing ones, and launch new initiatives that promise to reshape the region’s infrastructure and stimulate local economies.

Over the coming weeks, President Ruto will travel through nine counties—Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Kiambu—to personally assess and oversee a wide array of projects. These range from road construction and affordable housing to fresh produce markets, last-mile electricity connectivity, water, and irrigation projects. By taking a hands-on approach, Ruto is reiterating his commitment to fulfilling the promises made during his 2022 campaign and setting the stage for tangible improvements that the citizens of Central Kenya can witness firsthand.

A Vision for Inclusive Development

At the heart of the President’s tour is the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda—a comprehensive strategy designed to stimulate economic growth by empowering local communities and investing in key sectors. In an interview at Sagana State Lodge, Ruto emphasized, “Whatever commitments I have made, I will ensure they are kept to take Kenya forward. Give me a chance; the test will be in 2027. If there is a Mau Mau road or other roads that I have started and will not have completed, the people will know what to do.” His confident words resonate deeply with communities that have long awaited government action and improved public services.

Ruto’s focus on infrastructure is not new. Over his tenure, he has emphasized the importance of roads, energy, and water in fostering economic growth and improving quality of life. The President’s development tour in the Mt. Kenya region represents a continuation of these efforts. By personally visiting project sites, he is not only holding contractors and government agencies accountable but also inspiring local leaders and citizens to take pride in their shared progress.

Infrastructure: Paving the Way for Progress

One of the most critical components of Ruto’s tour is the extensive focus on road infrastructure. In his recent remarks, he highlighted a significant investment: “I went to China and got about 36 billion shillings for roads, I took 15 billion and invested here in Mount Kenya.” This statement underscores the dual strategy of securing international financing while also leveraging domestic funds to boost local development.

The roads being constructed are more than mere concrete and asphalt—they are lifelines that connect rural communities to urban centers, facilitate trade, and provide access to essential services such as healthcare and education. In regions like Gatung’ang’a, where Ruto mentioned that a road has been initiated from Marua passing through to Munyoro, the impact is transformative. Improved roads reduce travel times, lower transportation costs, and open up markets for smallholder farmers and local businesses.

Beyond roads, the development tour includes the commissioning of affordable housing projects that aim to alleviate the housing shortage in the region. With rapid urbanization putting pressure on existing housing, these projects are expected to provide safe and affordable homes to thousands of families. This initiative not only addresses a basic human need but also stimulates construction-related employment and local economic activity.

Empowering Local Agriculture and the Hustler Fund

In addition to infrastructure projects, President Ruto’s tour is set to spotlight initiatives in the agricultural sector—a vital area for the largely rural population of Mt. Kenya. Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and the government has taken steps to support farmers through innovative financial products like the Hustler Fund. According to recent reports, over 4 million Kenyans have benefited from the fund, which was a key promise in Ruto’s manifesto.

One notable reform announced by the President is the significant reduction in coffee payment timelines. Historically, farmers had to wait six months for payments from cooperatives—a delay that often strained their cash flow and impacted productivity. Under the new policy, payments are now processed within five days to cooperatives, with plans underway to transfer the funds directly to farmers by June. “The coffee used to be paid after 6 months, today it is paid after 5 days to cooperatives. My plan by June is that the money will not be paid to cooperatives; it will be paid to the farmer after 5 days. The price of coffee has risen to 110 shillings,” Ruto stated. This reform is expected to boost morale among farmers, enhance productivity, and stabilize the sector, ensuring that the backbone of Kenya’s agricultural exports remains robust.

The coffee reform is just one aspect of a broader strategy to enhance the agricultural value chain. The President’s tour will also feature visits to fresh produce markets and demonstration sites where modern farming techniques are being introduced. These initiatives are designed to increase the competitiveness of Kenyan agriculture, reduce post-harvest losses, and open up new export opportunities. By ensuring that farmers receive timely payments and modern inputs, the government aims to create a more sustainable and profitable agricultural sector that benefits both smallholder farmers and the broader economy.

Enhancing Energy and Water Connectivity

Another key focus of the development tour is the improvement of energy and water connectivity in the Mt. Kenya region. Last-mile electricity connectivity remains a major challenge in many parts of Kenya, particularly in rural areas. To address this, the government is investing in projects that extend the power grid to underserved communities and promote renewable energy solutions. Reliable electricity is not only critical for household consumption but also essential for powering businesses and industries, thereby driving economic growth.

Similarly, water and irrigation projects are vital for the agricultural sector. With changing climate patterns and recurring droughts, efficient water management has become a priority. The new irrigation systems and water supply projects being commissioned under the tour are expected to help farmers increase crop yields, reduce water wastage, and enhance resilience against climate variability. By modernizing the water infrastructure, the government is taking a proactive step toward ensuring that agricultural productivity is not hampered by water scarcity.

The integration of energy and water projects reflects a holistic approach to regional development. These improvements are designed to create synergies that support overall economic growth. For instance, reliable electricity enables the operation of modern irrigation pumps and agro-processing facilities, while improved water access boosts agricultural output. Together, these initiatives form a critical part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to empower local communities and drive inclusive development.

A Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

Throughout his development tour, President Ruto has made it clear that his administration is committed to transparency and accountability. His insistence that “the test will be in 2027” is a direct challenge to critics who have questioned his administration’s achievements. By setting a clear benchmark for progress, Ruto is signaling that the success of his policies will be measured not by short-term political rhetoric, but by long-term, tangible improvements in the lives of Kenyans.

This commitment to accountability is evident in the rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms that accompany each project. Government agencies, in collaboration with local authorities and civil society organizations, are tasked with ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Regular progress reports and community feedback sessions are integral components of this approach, fostering a culture of transparency that helps build public trust.

Local communities have welcomed the President’s proactive stance. In towns and villages along the development route, residents express optimism about the future. “We have been waiting for these improvements for so long,” said a resident of one of the rural communities in Kirinyaga. “These roads, the water projects, and the new markets will make a big difference in our lives. It gives us hope that things are finally changing.”

The Broader Impact on National Development

President Ruto’s development tour in the Mt. Kenya region is more than just a regional initiative—it is a microcosm of the broader national development agenda. The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda represents a shift toward empowering local communities and decentralizing economic growth. By focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and water, the government is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Central Kenya, which is home to some of the country’s most dynamic regions, stands to benefit significantly from these reforms. Improved infrastructure will facilitate the movement of goods and services, attract private investment, and spur industrial development. The modernization of agricultural practices and the introduction of financial reforms like the Hustler Fund will help smallholder farmers increase their productivity and income, thereby reducing poverty and boosting food security.

Moreover, the development tour sends a powerful message to international investors. It demonstrates that Kenya is committed to implementing concrete reforms and that its regions are ripe for investment. With improved roads, reliable energy, and modernized agricultural practices, the Mt. Kenya region is set to become a model for sustainable development in the country. This, in turn, could attract new business ventures, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth on a national scale.

Regional Cooperation and Cross-Sector Collaboration

The success of the development initiatives in the Mt. Kenya region also depends on effective regional cooperation and cross-sector collaboration. The President’s tour involves not only national government agencies but also local county governments, private sector partners, and international stakeholders. This multi-stakeholder approach is essential for ensuring that projects are responsive to local needs and that the benefits of development are widely shared.

County governments play a crucial role in the planning and execution of these projects. Their local knowledge and administrative capacity are invaluable in tailoring development initiatives to the specific challenges and opportunities of each region. In many cases, local governments have already been working on complementary projects that align with the national agenda, and the President’s tour helps to bring these efforts together under a unified vision.

Private sector involvement is another key element of the development strategy. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been instrumental in mobilizing resources and expertise for infrastructure projects. By working closely with private investors, the government is able to leverage additional financing and ensure that projects are implemented efficiently. This collaborative approach not only accelerates progress but also promotes a culture of innovation and accountability that benefits the entire economy.

International partners, including development agencies and donor organizations, are also part of the broader ecosystem supporting these initiatives. Their technical and financial assistance complements domestic efforts and helps bridge gaps in capacity and resources. The development tour, therefore, is not only a showcase of government achievements but also a platform for strengthening international cooperation and attracting further investment in Kenya’s development.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite the positive momentum, significant challenges remain. Infrastructure projects in rural areas often face logistical hurdles, funding delays, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. While the President’s tour is designed to accelerate project implementation, it also highlights the need for sustained political commitment and institutional reform. Ensuring that projects are completed on schedule and that their benefits reach the intended beneficiaries will require continuous monitoring, robust accountability frameworks, and community engagement.

Critics have sometimes accused past administrations of overpromising and underdelivering on development commitments. President Ruto’s explicit reference to the year 2027 as a benchmark for assessing progress is a direct response to such criticisms. By setting clear, measurable goals and holding his government accountable, Ruto aims to build a legacy of tangible, lasting change that will be remembered by future generations.

Furthermore, the complexities of coordinating multi-county projects necessitate strong intergovernmental collaboration. Ensuring that each of the nine counties on the tour is adequately supported and that projects are harmonized across regional boundaries is a significant undertaking. However, the success of this integrated approach could serve as a blueprint for future national development initiatives, demonstrating that a bottom-up strategy can yield substantial dividends for even the most challenging regions.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for 2027 and Beyond

As President Ruto’s development tour kicks off in the Mt. Kenya region, all eyes are on the transformative potential of these initiatives. The tour is not just a series of ceremonial visits—it is a declaration of intent and a commitment to change that will shape the country’s future. The projects being commissioned and inspected today are laying the foundation for a more robust, inclusive, and sustainable economy that will benefit Kenyans for decades to come.

By focusing on core areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and water, the government is addressing both the immediate needs of the people and the long-term challenges facing the nation. The integration of modern technology, improved governance, and collaborative partnerships further strengthens the potential for success. As the improvements begin to take root, the fruits of these efforts will be evident in the form of better roads, reliable power, flourishing markets, and empowered communities.

In his remarks at Sagana State Lodge, President Ruto made it clear that the progress achieved during his tenure will be judged by its lasting impact. “Give me a chance, the test will be in 2027,” he asserted, setting a high bar for his administration and inviting the public to hold him accountable. This commitment to transparency and results is a critical element of his broader strategy to transform Kenya from the bottom up.

Conclusion: Building a Legacy of Progress and Inclusivity

The development tour in the Mt. Kenya region marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s journey toward economic transformation. Through a combination of robust infrastructure projects, groundbreaking agricultural reforms, and strategic investments in energy and water connectivity, President Ruto is laying the groundwork for a future where every Kenyan has the opportunity to thrive.

The human impact of these initiatives is profound. Families in rural communities will soon enjoy improved access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities thanks to better roads and reliable services. Smallholder farmers will benefit from faster coffee payments and modernized markets, while local businesses will gain from increased connectivity and investment. Together, these efforts contribute to a broader vision of inclusive growth—a vision where progress is not measured solely in economic statistics but in the improved quality of life for every citizen.

As the tour unfolds, the spirit of development and the promise of a brighter future are palpable. President Ruto’s proactive engagement with local communities, his willingness to address past shortcomings, and his unwavering commitment to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda serve as a powerful reminder that real change begins at the grassroots level.

Looking ahead, the success of this development tour will be measured not just by the projects commissioned today but by the enduring legacy of progress that these initiatives create. In the years to come, when Kenyans reflect on the transformative changes of this era, they will recall a time when leadership met the challenges head-on, paving the way for a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Kenya.

In an era of rapid change and global uncertainty, the development tour is a testament to what can be achieved when visionary leadership, community engagement, and strategic investments converge. For President Ruto, the journey from Mt. Kenya to the broader horizons of national development is just beginning—and the promise of a better future is well within reach.

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photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

1st April, 2025