President William Ruto has kicked off his development tour of Mt. Kenya where he is expected to commission completed projects, inspect ongoing ones and launch others under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The tour which begins Tuesday, will cover nine counties that include Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi and Kiambu.
Some of the key projects the Head of State is expected to focus on during his tour are, roads, affordable housing, fresh produce markets, last mile electricity connectivity, water and irrigation, among others.
In an interview with the press held at Sagana State Lodge Monday evening, President Ruto underscored his commitment to fulfilling the promises he made during his campaign in 2022, noting that his work will speak for itself in 2027.
“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.” He remarked.
While defending progress achieved during his tenure, he highlighted recent infrastructural investments he has made in Central Kenya, pointing out Ksh. 15 billion for roads that has been investment in the region.
“I went to China and got about 36 billion shillings for roads, I took 15 billion and invested here in Mount Kenya. I hear other leaders saying Ruto is a liar, he has done nothing. Here in Gatung’ang’a we started the road from Marua passing through here to Munyoro.” He said.
He also noted that over 4 million Kenyans have so far benefited from the Hustler Fund, a promise he made in his manifesto.
The President announced significant change in coffee payment timelines, reducing the waiting period from six months to five days for cooperatives. By June, he said that he aims to ensure that payments go directly to farmers within the same timeframe.
“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 said.
Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/president-ruto-to-embark-on-five-day-mt-kenya-development-tour/
