Ruto lays foundation for Ksh660M Turkana University hostels
President William Ruto has unveiled the new phase of Turkana University, laying the foundation for the university’s largest hostels in Turkana County.
In a post on his official X account on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Ruto announced a national mission aimed at lifting at least 10 million Kenyans out of poverty.
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On his part, the head of state revealed that the mission, in line with the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund, will close the gap between the rich and the poor.
“We have embarked on an ambitious national mission to lift 10 million Kenyans out of poverty. Through the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund, we will close the gap between the rich and the poor and lay a firm foundation for Kenya’s transition to a first world economy,” Ruto said.
At the time, Ruto revealed that the new Turkana University student hostels are worth Ksh660 million, also adding that the initiative is expected to host at least six thousand students in Turkana County.
“Laid the foundation stone for the KSh660 million Turkana University students’ hostel, Turkana County. This is part of the hostels we are building in Turkana County to support institutions of higher learning and accommodate 6,000 students at a cost of KSh2.5 billion,” Ruto added.
“Also launched the upgrading of Lodwar town streets to bitumen standards,” he added.
Ruto in Turkana
Ruto’s remarks come as he officially launched the Tobong’u Lore festival in Turkana County on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
The annual festival, whose name in the Turkana language means “welcoming back home,” has grown into one of the country’s most significant cultural events, drawing communities from across the country and the wider East African region.
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It brings together elders, youth, artists, pastoralists and leaders to celebrate indigenous knowledge, traditional livelihoods and the rich diversity of the Turkana people.
The Tobong’u Lore festival showcases traditional dances, songs, poetry, storytelling and cuisine, while also providing a platform for intergenerational dialogue.
It has increasingly incorporated modern elements such as exhibitions, policy forums and cultural exchanges aimed at linking tradition with contemporary development needs.
Local leaders have welcomed the President’s visit, saying it highlights Turkana’s growing role in the national conversation.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai said the festival was more than a cultural gathering.
