President William Samoei Ruto on Friday took his 2027 re-election campaigns to Tana River County, unveiling multi-billion shilling development projects as he seeks to consolidate support at the Coast.
During a tour of Hola town, Dr Ruto announced Sh18.5 billion worth of housing, roads and industrial investments, which he said would transform the county’s economy and create jobs for thousands of youth.
The President laid the foundation stone for the 490-unit Mapenzi Affordable Housing Project and inspected the Hola Modern Market, which is expected to accommodate hundreds of traders.
“Through strategic infrastructure investments, we are laying the foundation for the economic transformation of Tana River County,” Dr Ruto said.
The projects include 2,000 affordable housing units, five modern markets and 3,000-bed student hostels at a cost of Sh7 billion.
Dr Ruto also announced that the government had allocated Sh1.5 billion for roads in the county, while investors were expected to inject more than Sh10 billion into sugar and rice processing factories.
According to the President, the investments will create at least 5,000 jobs and unlock the county’s agricultural potential.
The visit is part of the President’s sustained development tours across the country, which have increasingly taken a political tone as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Coast region is emerging as a critical battleground, with Dr Ruto seeking to weaken opposition influence and expand his support base in an area that has traditionally voted against past governments.
His allies have defended the tours, saying the President is fulfilling campaign promises and ensuring development reaches marginalised regions.
However, opposition leaders have accused the Head of State of using public projects to popularise his re-election bid at a time when Kenyans are grappling with the high cost of living, taxation and unemployment.
The Affordable Housing Programme has become one of the administration’s flagship projects, although critics have questioned its financing model and accused the government of prioritising politics over pressing economic concerns.
Dr Ruto has in recent months intensified visits to different regions, accompanied by senior government officials and political allies, in what analysts say is an early campaign strategy meant to solidify his support ahead of a potentially competitive 2027 race.
