Is Ukambani finally getting the attention it deserves? President Ruto is making a bold move to win over a region historically aligned with the opposition, and his actions are speaking louder than words. But will it be enough?
President William Ruto is continuing his development tour of the Ukambani region, focusing today on Kitui County with a jam-packed schedule. The President’s tour underscores a commitment to infrastructure development and economic revitalization in an area that has often felt overlooked. This visit marks the second day of his multi-county tour of the Eastern region. Tomorrow, he will be in Machakos County, and on Saturday, he will be holding a leaders’ meeting.
Ruto’s itinerary is ambitious, with plans to launch, inspect, and commission a series of infrastructure projects. These projects are strategically designed to boost connectivity and economic growth across the county. He’s slated to visit five constituencies: Mwingi North, Mwingi West, Kitui South, Kitui East, and Kitui Central, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to rural development.
The day begins in Mwingi North, where he’s expected to inspect the Kamuw’ongo–Kandwia Road. This road is a vital artery, linking remote communities and facilitating trade within the northern reaches of Kitui County. Think of it as a lifeline, connecting farmers and businesses to wider markets.
Next, he’ll head to Mwingi West to inspect the ongoing works on the Kwasiku–Migwani–Mbondoni Road. Then comes the official launch of the Ikutha–Mutha Road in Kitui South. This road is particularly exciting because it’s anticipated to unlock new economic opportunities in the agricultural and mining sectors. Imagine farmers easily transporting their produce to market and miners accessing resources more efficiently.
In Kitui East, the focus shifts to the Chuluni–Nzombe–Mwitika road. This project aims to improve access to essential services like markets, schools, and health facilities, directly impacting the daily lives of residents. Better roads mean better access to everything.
Later in the day, Ruto is expected to preside over the commissioning of the Ithookwe Stadium and the refurbished Kitui Airstrip in Kitui Central. These are flagship projects designed to enhance sports, tourism, and investment potential. A modern stadium can attract sporting events and tourists, while an upgraded airstrip can facilitate business travel and cargo transport.
But here’s where it gets controversial… This visit to Kitui is particularly significant because it’s the home turf of opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Is Ruto strategically targeting a region traditionally aligned with the opposition to gain political ground? Some see it as a genuine effort to develop the region, while others view it as a calculated political move.
This follows Ruto’s engagements in Makueni County on Wednesday, where he commissioned the Mikuyu Bridge, launched the Emali–Ukia Road, inspected the Wote Affordable Housing Project, and made stopovers to address residents. He’s clearly making a concerted effort to be visible and accessible.
In his addresses, Ruto has repeatedly emphasized his government’s commitment to projects that directly improve livelihoods, especially in areas that have lagged behind. He’s painting a picture of a government focused on inclusive growth.
Ruto even vowed to do whatever it takes to ensure the Kamba region is part of the government come the next general election, stating, “Kwa vyovyote, mbele na nyuma, kulia na kushoto, juu na chini, hii Ukambani haiwezi kukaa upinzani tena,” which translates to “By all means possible, this Ukambani will never again remain in the opposition.”
And this is the part most people miss… Ruto admitted that he partly contributed to the region’s political isolation in the past, saying he had neglected it and allowed his opponents to “penetrate and mislead” the people into the opposition. He’s taking responsibility for past shortcomings and promising a different future.
Without naming names, Ruto appeared to address some leaders, telling residents that he was determined to reclaim the region’s political loyalty. “Tell them that Ruto has arrived and has said Ukambani is leaving the opposition to join the government,” he declared, drawing cheers from the crowd.
These engagements showcase Ruto’s administration’s focus on infrastructure, housing, and youth empowerment as key pillars of Kenya’s bottom-up economic transformation agenda. This approach prioritizes grassroots development and aims to empower local communities.
So, what do you think? Is Ruto’s focus on Ukambani a genuine effort to bring development to a historically marginalized region, or is it primarily a strategic political maneuver? Will the infrastructure projects truly transform the lives of residents, or are they just empty promises? And can Ruto truly win over a region that has long been aligned with the opposition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!