President William Ruto has highlighted the fight against corruption as central to improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans, saying that systemic graft has long slowed the country’s progress.
Speaking on Thursday at Kitui State Lodge and later in Mwingi North, Ruto said Kenya’s struggles are not caused by a shortage of resources but by mismanagement and exploitation over the years.
“Kenya has been exploited for many years. It is not because we have no money. It is not because we have no infrastructure. The biggest problem is corruption,” he said.
Bringing projects closer to the people
Ruto pointed out that tackling corruption goes hand in hand with delivering tangible benefits to communities. During the visit, he handed out 15,000 title deeds to residents of Kamuwongo, Mwingi North, part of a broader initiative covering Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos counties, giving families security and ownership of land.
“Issued 15,000 title deeds to residents of Kamuwongo, Mwingi North, Kitui County, in our endeavour to address land ownership challenges across the country, including in Makueni, Kitui and Machakos counties,” he said.
The President praised outgoing National Land Commission Commissioners for settling disputes that had delayed projects worth over Ksh 500 billion annually, clearing the way for development.
Ruto also launched the tarmacking of the 13km Kamuwongo-Kandwia road, which will link the Thika-Garissa road at Mwingi town to the Ena-Chiakariga road, improving access to markets for local farmers and traders.
“Also launched the tarmacking of the 13km Kamuwongo-Kandwia road, which is part of the Mwingi-Kamuwongo-Ciangera road. It will link the Thika-Garissa road at Mwingi town with the Ena-Chiakariga road and help improve access to markets for produce from the region,” he said.
In addition, Ruto handed over the Kamuwongo fresh produce market to the Kitui County Government. The facility will host over 200 traders and create employment opportunities for young people, boosting local commerce.
“Inspected and handed over the Kamuwongo fresh produce market in Mwingi North to the County Government of Kitui,” he noted.
Connecting anti-corruption efforts to community progress
Throughout the visit, Ruto tied the fight against corruption to the delivery of these projects, insisting that proper governance allows communities to benefit directly from public resources.
He also highlighted broader economic gains, noting that Kenya has stabilized its economy over the past three years, reduced inflation, and increased dollar reserves, proving that progress is possible when corruption is curbed.
“Many people expected Kenya to default on its obligations, right? I made a commitment to this country that Kenya will not default. We have reduced inflation from 9.6 to 4.5. Dollar reserves have gone up to 5.7,” he said.
“Let me give you a final reason why you should believe what I am saying. I told the people of Kenya that I am going to work on the economy. In three years, we have stabilised the economy,” Ruto added.
By linking infrastructure, land ownership, and market access directly to anti-corruption efforts, Ruto positioned governance reforms as essential for creating real opportunities for citizens.
