A wide-ranging plan to expand development across Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni was announced by President William Ruto, who said the government is channelling Sh110 billion into projects meant to improve services and stimulate growth in the region.
The announcement marked the end of his four-day visit, during which he met more than 10,000 grassroots leaders at Kitui State Lodge.
The President said the funds represent the highest investment any administration has ever directed to the three counties at one time. He told leaders that Sh64 billion will support new houses, modern markets, and student hostels across various towns.
“No administration before this one has spent Sh64 billion in Ukambani at once. And you're witnesses,” he said on Saturday. The programme will see the construction of 44,000 affordable housing units, 39 markets, and 15,000 hostel beds.
“With our affordable housing programme, we are changing the landscape and the lifestyle of Kenya, and we are doing it with our own resources,” he added.
The event was attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, National Security Advisor Monica Juma, former Kitui Senator David Musila, MPs, MCAs, and Principal Secretaries Terry Mbaika and Jonathan Mueke.
President William Ruto addressing grassroots leaders from the Ukambani region at Kitui State Lodge on November 15, 2025. PHOTO/PCSAlongside the housing programme, the government has allocated Sh30 billion to improve 600 kilometres of roads in the first phase of tarmacking. A further Sh6.7 billion will support electricity connections to 51,000 homes in the three counties within the next six months.
The President said these upgrades are part of a broader push to improve basic infrastructure that many families still lack.
Water supply was also highlighted during the briefing. The President said the Thwake Multipurpose Dam, built through financing from the African Development Bank, is in its final stages at a cost of Sh9.6 billion.
He also said that Umaa Dam in Kitui will be completed next year at a cost of Sh230 million, while Sh700 million has been allocated to settle compensation claims linked to the Muwongoni Dam project in Machakos.
Leaders were assured that work on the High-Grand Falls Dam, which connects Kitui and Tharaka-Nithi, remains one of the government’s main projects.
The President said he will address Parliament next week during the State of the Nation Address to push for the National Infrastructure Fund.
“I will be in Parliament next week for the State of the Nation Address and I will explain to MPs the need for the fund to finance transformative projects,” he said. Through the fund, the government seeks to raise Sh4.5 trillion for new roads, dams, irrigation, and energy production over the next decade.
President Ruto revealed that a Sh40 billion clinker and cement plant in Mwingi will open early next year and is expected to create 5,000 jobs. He encouraged local leaders to support the investor for the benefit of area youth and businesses.
He said an Sh800 million stadium will also be built in Machakos Town, and Sh230 million has been set aside to finish the Enziu Bridge before the long rains.
During the tour, the President issued more than 45,000 title deeds in Kitui and Makueni and promised that remaining documents across the three counties will be processed without delay.
He also flagged off several road works, including the Emali-Matiliku stretch in Makueni (Sh1.1 billion), Kamuw’ongo-Kandwia in Kitui (Sh1 billion), and the Kivandini-Miseleni road in Machakos (Sh1.7 billion). He instructed immediate construction of the Kyuso-Tseikuru road, saying, “Kenyans there have suffered dust and mud long enough.”
On security, he asked the Ministry of Defence to look into setting up a military camp to help stabilise the border area. He also urged young people to apply for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, which provides a Sh50,000 grant to boost small businesses.
Addressing political tensions, he said leaders should focus on solutions rather than disputes, adding, “We have raised the bar of leadership in Kenya.
It is no longer about personalities and slogans, but agenda and plans for Kenya.” Deputy President Kindiki backed the message, saying, “A nation is transformed through deeds and by taking national development to all regions of our country, as the President has done.”
The tour brought together several MPs, including Vincent Kawaya, Mwengi Mutuse, Rachel Nyamai, Nimrod Mbai, Charles Nguna, Joshua Mwalyo, Caleb Mule, Fabian Kyule, and nominated Senators Tabitha Mutinda and Beth Syengo.
