By Ngwono O’Nyakundi
President William Ruto has pledged that Ukambani will not be left behind in Kenya’s development journey.
Speaking in Kasikeu, Kilome Constituency, Makueni County, during a four-day regional tour, he assured residents of inclusive progress across Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos counties.
Accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, and Cabinet Secretaries Alfred Mutua (Labour), Alice Wahome (Water), and Davis Chirchir (Roads), Ruto unveiled a raft of infrastructure, housing, health, and land initiatives.
He commissioned KSh1.9 billion for the Kasikeu and Mikuyu bridges and link roads, and launched the KSh1 billion, 20km Emali–Matiliku Road.
In housing, he announced KSh11 billion to construct 3,000 affordable units in Makueni County and inspected a 755-unit project in Wote Town.
He also pledged KSh550 million to complete 162 civil servants’ houses and laid the foundation for a KSh360 million modern market.
A further KSh70 million was allocated for a new stadium.
Electricity access is set to expand, with 18,000 households to be connected by June 2026 at a cost of KSh2 billion.
Ten modern markets worth KSh900 million are under construction, including a KSh70 million market in Kasikeu.
Technical colleges in Kilome will receive KSh45 million for hostel development.
Healthcare received a boost with KSh3.5 billion allocated under the National Equipment Services Programme.
Hospitals will be registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to improve service delivery.
On land ownership, Ruto announced the issuance of 2,000 title deeds in Kasikeu and another 2,000 at the Kinyozi Settlement Scheme in Emali.
An additional 58,000 title deeds will be distributed across Makueni, Machakos, and Kitui.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to working with leaders from all backgrounds, saying, “Development must be equitable. Every region, every citizen matters.”
He also confirmed that KSh9.3 billion has been allocated to complete the Thwake Multipurpose Dam by April 2026, a project expected to transform water access and agriculture in the region.
