Critics argue that the tour is a thinly veiled political campaign, with the President dangling development promises to shore up support. The fallout with his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, who commands significant influence in the region, poses a further challenge. However, political analysts believe the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda could win over sceptics if tangible benefits are realised. The Affordable Housing Programme, for instance, aims to create jobs and offer affordable mortgages while addressing urban housing shortages
President William Ruto is set to embark on a five-day working tour of Central Kenya from April 1 to April 5, 2025, in a bid to revitalise his political standing in a region that was instrumental in propelling him to victory in the August 2022 elections but has since shown signs of discontent.
The tour will cover nine counties—Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Kiambu—where he is expected to commission, inspect, and launch a range of development projects. This visit follows a recent trip by Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who was dispatched to the region to placate local leaders and residents amid growing frustrations.
In a strategic move to woo back the mountain’s support ahead of the 2027 elections, President Ruto will unveil initiatives aligned with his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. These include launching fresh produce markets in Kieni (Nyeri), Laikipia East, Igembe South and Tigania East (Meru), Kirinyaga Central, Kinangop (Nyandarua), and Chuka Igambang’ombe (Tharaka-Nithi). Additional markets in Tharaka (Tharaka-Nithi), Runyenjes and Manyatta (Embu), Othaya (Nyeri), and Githunguri (Kiambu) are also set for inspection.
In a region where access to basic services remains a challenge, the President will inaugurate Last Mile Electricity Connectivity projects in Laikipia West, Kieni (Nyeri), South Imenti (Meru), Kirinyaga Central, Ol Kalou (Nyandarua), and Manyatta (Embu). The initiatives are designed to stimulate economic activities and enhance living standards.
The tour’s itinerary also includes issuing title deeds in Kieni (Nyeri) and Tigania West (Meru) constituencies. President Ruto is expected to inspect the ongoing construction of the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPS) in Laikipia West and Githunguri (Kiambu), alongside a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Maragua (Murang’a). The government’s SEZ initiative seeks to attract both local and foreign investors by offering economic incentives and streamlined regulations.
In addition, the President will inspect water, sanitation, and sewerage projects in Igembe South (Meru), Maragua (Murang’a), and Mbeere North (Embu), as well as livestock feedlots in Tigania West and South Imenti (Meru) to bolster the livestock value chain.
The visit will also address healthcare challenges in Nyandarua, with plans to complete the JM Memorial Hospital in Ol Kalou—the county’s first Level 5 hospital under the Universal Health Coverage and Taifa Care programmes.
Critics argue that the tour is a thinly veiled political campaign, with the President dangling development promises to shore up support. The fallout with his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, who commands significant influence in the region, poses a further challenge.
However, political analysts believe the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda could win over sceptics if tangible benefits are realised. The Affordable Housing Programme, for instance, aims to create jobs and offer affordable mortgages while addressing urban housing shortages.
As President Ruto seeks to consolidate support in the region, the coming days will reveal whether this charm offensive can rekindle the political bond with Central Kenya or whether the mountain’s loyalty has irreversibly shifted.
