President William Ruto has outlined an ambitious slate of development projects in Kirinyaga County, in what analysts say is part of a broader push to consolidate political support in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking after meeting grassroots leaders from the county at State House, Nairobi, the President said the initiatives are designed to boost incomes, create jobs and expand access to essential services.
“We are transforming our nation through projects and programmes that improve the lives of our citizens,” Ruto said.
In agriculture, the President said the government is targeting increased earnings for farmers through value addition and improved storage. He announced that 13 milk coolers will be delivered to Kirinyaga next month to help preserve raw milk quality and reduce post-harvest losses.
“In Kirinyaga County, we are supporting farmers to earn more from coffee, tea, avocado and milk,” he said.
The housing sector has also seen significant investment, with Ruto revealing that KSh15 billion has been injected into the construction of 4,000 affordable housing units. He said projects in Gichugu and Kirinyaga are complete and ready for handover.
On trade and youth empowerment, the President said the government has spent KSh1.5 billion to build 12 modern markets, three of which are already complete. At the same time, hostels to accommodate 4,000 university and college students are under construction, a move he said is also generating employment for young people.
“These projects are creating jobs for our youth,” Ruto said.
Healthcare investments are also underway, with the President announcing that county facilities are being equipped with medical equipment worth KSh330 million. He added that a new research centre under the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) will be established in Mwea, alongside the construction of a Level 4 hospital funded at KSh200 million.
Infrastructure development remains a key pillar of the administration’s agenda, with Ruto saying 19,000 households in the county have already been connected to electricity, with another 9,500 targeted in the next financial year. In addition, KSh6 billion has been allocated for the completion of roads across Kirinyaga.
The President said his meeting with local leaders focused on reviewing progress and aligning development priorities, as the government accelerates implementation of projects at the grassroots level.
The renewed focus on Kirinyaga and the wider Mt Kenya region comes amid intensifying political competition following the fallout between Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. The region, long considered Gachagua’s political stronghold, is increasingly emerging as a battleground as both camps seek to shore up influence.
Analysts say the rollout of high-impact development projects is likely to play a central role in the President’s re-election strategy, with Mt Kenya expected to be a निर्णing factor in the 2027 polls.
