Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Kenyan Digest

President Ruto Tours Kitui, Inspects Roads, Markets and Affordable Housing Projects

Staff
2 min read
Published 15 July 2026

President William Ruto concluded a two-day development tour of Kitui County on Sunday, reaffirming the government's commitment to accelerating infrastructure and social development projects across the region.

On Saturday, July 12, the President, accompanied by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, inspected the ongoing construction of the 25-kilometre Chuluni–Zombe Road in Kitui East Constituency. The road, which is being upgraded to bitumen standards, forms part of the government's wider investment in road infrastructure across the county. President Ruto directed the contractor to expedite the works, with completion expected by June 2027.

The Head of State also visited the Zombe Modern Market, where construction is ongoing. The project is one of several modern markets being developed to improve trading facilities and support local businesses.

During the tour, President Ruto said the government is implementing development projects worth approximately KSh15 billion in Kitui County. The initiatives include the construction of more than 250 kilometres of roads, 20 modern markets, 1,000 affordable housing units, and student hostels expected to accommodate more than 6,000 learners.

Screenshot 2026-07-15 163536.png

He further announced that construction of the Thwake Dam had resumed following the allocation of KSh10.6 billion, with completion targeted for April 2027. The President also pledged to revive the long-stalled Umaa Dam project, describing water infrastructure as critical to supporting agriculture, industry and household water supply in the county.

On Sunday, July 13, President Ruto attended a thanksgiving service at ACK St. Martin's Cathedral in Kitui Town, where he assured residents that the government would continue implementing development projects across the country without discrimination.

"It is my wish to work with everybody. Of course, you cannot force people to work with you. Some have decided they do not want to work with us, and that is their decision," the President said.

Screenshot 2026-07-15 163334.png

He added that all regions deserve equal access to development, regardless of their political preferences, and pledged to continue returning to Kitui to monitor the implementation of ongoing projects.

The two-day visit forms part of the President's ongoing regional development tours aimed at inspecting government projects, commissioning completed works and engaging local communities on the progress of the administration's development agenda.


About the author