KSh64B for Housing, KSh30B for Roads: Ruto’s Massive Ukambani Investment Unveiled

President William Ruto on Saturday announced a massive KSh110 billion investment package for Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties, describing it as the largest development intervention the Ukambani region has ever received from any administration.

Speaking before more than 10,000 grassroots leaders at Kitui State Lodge, the President outlined an ambitious transformation agenda spanning housing, infrastructure, water, and agriculture that he said would “spur urban renewal, create jobs, and uplift livelihoods.”

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KSh64 Billion Housing and Markets Push

The lion’s share of the investment—KSh64 billion—will deliver what the President called game-changing infrastructure across the three counties.

The package includes construction of 44,000 affordable housing units designed to address the region’s growing urban housing deficit, alongside 15,000-bed student hostels to accommodate the expanding youth population in tertiary institutions.

Additionally, the government will establish 39 fresh produce markets across the three counties, a move aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and connecting farmers directly to consumers.

“These initiatives will spur urban renewal, create jobs, and uplift livelihoods,” President Ruto told the gathering.

KSh30 Billion Road Network Overhaul

In what he described as “the first phase of an ambitious programme,” the government will upgrade 600 kilometers of roads at a cost of KSh30 billion.

The President said the road improvement project would “enhance connectivity, boost trade, and open new economic frontiers” in a region that has historically suffered from poor infrastructure.

The phased approach suggests additional road projects will follow once the initial 600km upgrade is completed.

Thwake Dam Nears Completion

President Ruto confirmed that KSh9.6 billion has been committed to complete the Thwake Multipurpose Dam, whose construction he said is “in the final stages.”

The dam, which has been under development for years, is expected to provide reliable water for domestic use, irrigation, and industrial development across Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties.

The water infrastructure is seen as critical to unlocking the region’s agricultural potential and supporting industrial growth.

“Never Before” Claims

In a bold assertion that is likely to draw political scrutiny, President Ruto declared that “never before has any other administration undertaken development of this scale and impact in this region.”

The statement positions the current government as having made an unprecedented commitment to the Ukambani region, which has often felt marginalized in national development planning.

“These projects affirm our unwavering commitment to implementing equitable development across the country,” the President added.

Grassroots Engagement

The announcement came during a major political gathering at Kitui State Lodge, where President Ruto hosted what his office described as more than 10,000 grassroots leaders from the three Ukambani counties.

The President used the forum to share what he called his “development scorecard” and outlined future plans not only for the region but for the entire country.

The timing of the announcement and the massive grassroots gathering suggests the President is working to consolidate political support in the Lower Eastern region, traditionally a Wiper Party stronghold under Kalonzo Musyoka’s influence.

With the KSh110 billion investment package, President Ruto is making a clear pitch to Ukambani voters that his administration is delivering tangible development rather than political rhetoric.

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