President William Ruto has urged UDA officials to reinforce grassroots structures while building bridges with other political parties to promote national development and cohesion.
Speaking in Nyeri at Sagana State Lodge on Saturday, January 17, 2026, he told over 17,000 newly elected polling centre leaders that teamwork and inclusivity are key to moving Kenya forward.
“Under the broad-based government, Kenyans are working together and ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said, stressing that fair sharing of resources remains crucial for national stability.
Ruto highlighted that national progress is not a zero-sum game. “For a long time, the bigger challenge in Kenya has been sharing the small cake we have. We now have a strategy to bake a bigger cake for everybody to share,” he said, underlining the need for a win-win approach in politics.
He was joined by Governors Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri) and Cecily Mbarire (Embu), as well as MPs led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, as he spoke on the importance of visionary leadership, collaboration, and unity for Kenya’s transformation into a modern economy.
“A political party is the most important instrument in making sure that we have continuity that ensures we consolidate the transformation of the nation,” the President said, pointing out that strong parties are necessary to carry development beyond one election cycle or a single leader.
Ruto called on Kenyans to reject politics built on hatred, tribalism, or division, emphasising that true development comes from “humility, patience, hard work, and unity.” He pledged to continue using his office to foster cohesion across the nation.
Highlighting achievements of his administration, the President said the economy has been stabilised, reforms in agriculture, healthcare, and education have been implemented, and millions of jobs created.
He also outlined major projects under way, including 30,000km of roads with 2,500km of dual carriageways, expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and up to the Uganda border, and modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. He mentioned ongoing developments like the Bomas International Convention Centre and Talanta Stadium.
On party matters, Ruto said he will personally meet UDA leaders across counties to strengthen structures and ensure the party’s agenda reaches all levels.
He said UDA has established itself as a powerful political force, with 580,000 polling centre officials elected nationwide and 2.4 million members participating in last week’s grassroots vote.
Focusing on Nyeri County, the President announced Ksh.4 billion for road construction. He noted that Mau Mau roads, which were only 20 percent complete in 2022, have now reached between 60 and 70 per cent completion and are expected to be finished later this year.
Other allocations include Sh21 billion for housing, markets, and hostels, Sh1.4 billion to expand electricity connections, and Sh4 billion for additional road projects. “No project will stall in Nyeri County under my watch,” he said.
MP Ichung’wah said the Mt Kenya region identifies with UDA because it is committed to bringing all Kenyans together. Governor Mbarire also commended women leaders, noting that 36.5 per cent of elected officials were women.
