President William Ruto has pushed back against criticism over the planned Sh80 million State Lodge in Meru, insisting the project is no less important than the billions of shillings the government is already investing in the county.
Addressing guests at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, July 13, the President said those questioning the project were ignoring the bigger picture, noting that the State Lodge forms part of a wider development plan that includes roads, affordable housing, markets and bridges worth nearly Sh40 billion.
He said the facility will strengthen the government's presence in the region while helping end the unequal distribution of national projects that has left some parts of the country behind over the years.
"We are building a State Lodge in Meru for Ksh80 million, and people are asking me whether that is a priority. I have a programme of close to Ksh40 billion in Meru, including affordable housing, markets, roads, and bridges. How is Ksh80 million so important compared to the Ksh40 billion?
"We must get our priorities right and know that it is important to do one as we do the other. In the past, we have had certain areas left behind. That is why I declared that this time, we will build Kenya and no area will be left behind," Ruto responded.
The President also defended his administration's continued investment in sports infrastructure, saying the facilities are creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents.
He said those questioning the need for stadiums should seek the views of athletes, who understand the value such investments have on their careers.
"Many people have been asking me whether putting up stadia is a priority. I want to ask them to ask the young people of Kenya that question because you will get the right answer from the country's sportsmen and sportswomen," he responded.
Ruto said the government is constructing 34 stadiums across the country as part of efforts to improve sports facilities and support talent development among the youth.
The remarks were made during a ceremony at State House where he hosted Migori Youth FC after the club emerged champions of the 2025/26 National Super League.
During the event, the President presented the team with a new bus to ease its travel for league fixtures across the country.
He also announced that the government is putting up a modern stadium in Migori County, saying it will provide Migori Youth FC and other local athletes with better facilities to nurture their talent.
The planned Meru State Lodge has attracted criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who argued that a new facility is unnecessary because the President can continue using the existing Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County while serving the region.