President William Ruto on Monday used the inspection of a Sh380 million modern market in Kiambu County to reinforce his development pitch as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election, framing large-scale public investments as evidence that his administration is delivering on its promises.
Standing at the Kamwangi Modern Market, which is scheduled for completion in March 2026 and expected to host more than 1,500 traders, Ruto said his government’s focus on market infrastructure was aimed at accelerating the growth of small businesses and creating jobs at the grassroots. He pointed to Kiambu as a showcase, noting that more than Sh4.5 billion has been invested in the construction of 30 modern markets in the county in under three years — what he described as the largest such programme in the country.
“The journey of transforming Kenya is charging forward at full speed across all our 47 counties,” the President said, linking the projects to his broader Sh5 trillion National Economic Independence Project, which he said would generate jobs, create wealth and place the economy on a firmer footing.
Beyond the economic message, the remarks carried clear political undertones. With less than two years to the next elections, Ruto has increasingly leaned on visible development projects to counter criticism over the cost of living and to shore up support in vote-rich regions such as Kiambu, which was critical to his 2022 victory.
Analysts say the emphasis on markets, roads and housing is part of a broader re-election strategy: grounding the 2027 campaign in tangible projects that can be seen and felt by traders and ordinary voters, even as political rivals prepare to challenge his record.
Ruto urged Kenyans to “work together” to realise his vision, a call that comes as political alignments begin to shift ahead of 2027, and as development pledges increasingly double as campaign talking points.
