President William Ruto has pledged to complete stalled government projects in Taita Taveta County. Speaking at a roadside rally in Bura, Mwatate constituency on Sunday, Ruto acknowledged that some of the projects were included in the budget of the rejected Finance Bill, which may cause delays in their completion.
He assured residents that his administration had planned to fund various initiatives, such as connecting electricity in the county and finishing stalled water and road projects. Despite the setback, the president promised to push for resource allocation to ensure these projects are completed.
“Some people wanted us to fail and incited Kenyans to reject a bill that would have facilitated the completion of these projects. Although all is not lost, I am committed to completing development projects in this region,” Ruto stated after attending a church service at ACK Ng’ambwa.
He added that the current situation allows him to restart and include everyone for the country’s prosperity. The restructuring of his cabinet, Ruto said, will ensure a more inclusive government, with representation from every region.
“As a democratic nation, we should raise above party and ethnic politics for our country to move forward. That is why I have decided to form a more inclusive government as many Kenyans have requested,” he said.
Earlier on Sunday morning, Ruto presided over the handing over ceremony of a new school bus to Kombolio Secondary School in Mwatate.
Ruto has further promised a number of goodies to the residents on his last day of a four-day development tour of the Coast region.
They, include the construction of 2,000 affordable houses in Voi and Wundanyi, and the construction of at least 3,000 hostel units for students in Taita Taveta University, Taita Taveta National Polytechnic and Mwatate Technical Polytechnic.
“I will be here next month to launch construction of 1,500 hostel units at Taita Taveta University, 1,00 units for Taita Taveta National Polytechnic and 600 Mwatate Technical Polytechnic,” the head of state said.
President William Ruto was accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Senate Speaker Amson Kingi, and Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime. Other leaders in attendance included legislators Peter Shake (Mwatate), Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi), Khamis Chome (Voi), and Woman Representative Lydia Haika.
The president announced that he has allocated Sh500 million for electricity connection in Mwatate, which will connect at least 10,000 new residents to the grid in the project’s first phase. “Power should not be a preserve of the rich. These projects will enable more people to access electricity,” he said.
Ruto also emphasized the government’s commitment to creating more opportunities for the youth, allowing them to contribute their talents, expertise, and knowledge to the country’s economic growth. He mentioned that his administration has secured around 400,000 job opportunities abroad to help reduce youth unemployment.
“Leaders must mobilize the youth to seize these opportunities. At least 1,000 youths are leaving the country every week for overseas jobs,” he stated.
Mwatate MP Peter Shake defended his decision to support the contested Finance Bill, noting that it had favorable allocations for regional projects. He praised President Ruto for appointing new cabinet secretaries from the coastal region.
“We have been in opposition for a long time. This time, we have decided to join the government so our region can benefit as well,” the Jubilee legislator said.
Woman Representative Lydia Haika requested the president to hold a meeting with the county leaders and the county’s council of elders to address some of the region’s pressing issues. She pointed out that the mining sector, despite the region’s richness in precious stones, has not benefited many residents.
