Ruto: Why my tour to Mt Kenya seems delayed
President William Ruto has explained why it has taken time for him to tour the Mt Kenya region after the 2022 general elections, putting to rest speculations that there is bad blood between him and the region.
In a televised interview on Monday, March 31, 2025, ahead of his Mt Kenya tour which starts on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Ruto attributed the delay to his roles in government.
Ruto says that apart from Mt Kenya, it has taken him time to tour other regions in the country after the elections including Lower Eastern and North Eastern regions.
“In January I visited Northern Kenya. I had not visited Northern Kenya after the elections (in 2022). I have not visited Ukambani for over a year now. I have not visited Kisii for a long time now,” Ruto said.
“When we were elected we faced a lot of challenges. I had to plan on issues pertaining the economy, national debt so that I reduce the challenges and also put in place the manifesto I agreen upon with Kenyans. I also had to plan on how to implement the manifesto because I know after five years there will be an exam and the exam will be about the promise and the manifesto I gave to Kenyans.”
Ruto says for the two years he has held the top seat, he has reduced inflation from nine per cent to 3.5 per cent. Also, he says that he has stabilised the Kenyan shilling against foreign currencies, currently at Ksh129 against the US dollar.
The president also says he has been busy stailising the economy, which has resulted to reduced prices of basic commodities.
He says due to his efforts, over five million Kenyans who had been blacklisted with credit reference bureaus (CRBs) were cleared. He has also hailed the Hustler Fund initiative, which he says is benefiting over four million Kenyans.
Ruto’s Mt Kenya tour
The president will be returning to the mountain since his last visit in August 2024 for a five-day working tour to launch various projects in the region.
In fulfilment of the pledge to ‘Mama Mboga’ and traders to ensure they have adequate space and sanitation at their places of work, Ruto will visit modern fresh produce markets in various stages of completion in Kieni (Nyeri), Laikipia East, Igembe South and Tigania East (Meru), Kirinyaga Central, Kinangop (Nyandarua) and Chuka Igambang’ombe (Tharaka-Nithi). Other markets are in Tharaka (Tharaka-Nithi), Runyenjes and Manyatta (Embu), Othaya (Nyeri) and Githunguri (Kiambu).
To connect more Kenyans to electricity and stimulate economic activities, the President will launch various Last Mile Electricity Connectivity projects in Laikipia West, Kieni (Nyeri), South Imenti (Meru), Kirinyaga Central, Ol Kalou (Nyandarua) and Manyatta (Embu).
Ruto will also inspect ongoing water, sanitation and sewerage programmes in Igembe South (Meru), Maragua in Murang’a and Mbeere North (Embu).
In addition, the president will tour the incomplete JM Memorial Hospital in Ol Kalou (Nyandarua) as well as commission police houses in Chuka Igambang’ombe (Tharaka-Nithi) and student hostels at Tharaka University.
The National Government will work with the county government to complete the medical facility and thus establish the only Level 5 hospital in Nyandarua. This will be a big boost to the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Taifa Care. He will also visit the Kenya Medical Training College in Kangema (Murang’a).
Ruto will also inspect and launch affordable housing projects in Laikipia East, Ol Kalou and Kinangop (Nyandarua), Kandara and Maragua (Murang’a), Chuka Igambang’ombe (Tharaka-Nithi) and Nyeri Town.
In Mbeere South constituency (Embu), Ruto will also inspect the ongoing Kiambere Bulk Water Project and visit the section of Mau Mau Road under construction in Lari Constituency (Kiambu). The roads were recently allocated Ksh5 billion and are being built along the Aberdare and Mt Kenya forests in Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyandarua and Nyeri counties respectively.
Author
Francis Muli
Francis Muli is a passionate digital journalist with over seven years of experience in crafting compelling stories across various platforms. His major focus is in business, politics and current affairs. He brings a keen eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering the truth. He has contributed to leading publications across the country. When not chasing stories, you can find Muli exploring new technologies, attending local events, or reading fiction. Connect with Francis Muli on X @FMuliKE and Facebook (Francis Muli) to follow his latest stories and insights.
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