By Ng’wono O’Nyakundi
President William Ruto has launched an ambitious environmental and development agenda in Nakuru County, combining forest restoration with large-scale infrastructure and housing investments aimed at transforming the region’s economy and landscape.
At the heart of the initiative is the Mau Forest Ecosystem Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Restoration Programme, which targets the rehabilitation of 350,000 hectares of degraded forest land. Speaking during the launch, President Ruto emphasised the national significance of the effort:
“This restoration will be carried out by all Kenyans and the entire government,” Ruto said.
The programme began with the planting of 5,000 trees and will involve the Kenya Defence Forces, National Youth Service, and Kenya Forest Service.
The initial phase aims to restore 30,000 hectares.
In parallel, the government is rolling out major development projects across Nakuru. These include the construction of 10,000 kilometres of new roads nationwide, valued at approximately Sh1.5 trillion.
Among them is the expansion of the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit road into a six-lane highway, a key corridor for trade and mobility.
Affordable housing is another cornerstone of the plan.
Nakuru will benefit from a Sh30 billion investment to deliver 220,000 housing units, expected to create an equal number of jobs.
The President also unveiled the Nakuru West Affordable Housing Project, which will provide 220 units.
Additional allocations include Sh25 billion for infrastructure and Sh3 billion for water and sewerage systems, with projects such as the Keringet Water Project and the Njoro Water and Sanitation Project already underway.
To support timber supply for housing, the government has lifted the logging ban, pledging sustainable forest management and community involvement.
“We are balancing development with conservation,” Ruto said, noting that responsible logging will support the housing agenda while protecting Kenya’s natural heritage.
Road upgrades in Kaptembwa (7.3km) and Kivumbini (5km) are also part of the broader strategy to improve urban mobility and access to services.
The President’s visit to Nakuru signals a coordinated push to integrate environmental stewardship with economic growth, positioning the county as a model for sustainable development across Kenya.
