By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 5 July 2026 - Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has credited President William Ruto's administration with delivering the county's biggest healthcare investments in recent years, saying Embu has benefited more under the current government than under any previous administration.
Speaking when she hosted President Ruto during a tour in Embu on Sunday, the governor pointed to two major hospital projects worth a combined KSh 1.45 billion, arguing that they demonstrate the government's commitment to improving healthcare in the county.
"We feel as the people of Embu that we have gained more from you than from any other President in the past," Mbarire said.
The governor said the national government had already signed a contract to build a KSh 450 million maternal and child health hospital, with construction expected to begin soon.
"I know you are giving us a maternal and child health hospital worth KSh 450 million. The contract has already been signed and construction will begin," she said.
She also revealed that the government had secured funding for a second KSh 1 billion hospital following President Ruto's recent visit to Italy.
"You went to Italy and looked for funding. You later told me, 'Governor, I saw your hospital and it is quite old.' The President is now building us a KSh 1 billion hospital," Mbarire said.
Beyond healthcare, the governor urged the President to ensure Embu benefits from the government's ambitious road infrastructure programme.
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She recalled Ruto's pledge to use the proposed National Infrastructure Fund to double Kenya's tarmac road network, saying she would continue lobbying for the county to receive a substantial share of the planned projects.
"You told Kenyans that in the first 60 years after independence, the country built only about 20,000 kilometres of tarmac roads. You also said that in the coming years you want to build another 20,000 kilometres through the Infrastructure Fund," she said.
"I will remain with you because I want Embu to receive 2,000 kilometres of those roads. I will keep reminding you until Embu gets its share."
Mbarire said previous governments had often overlooked Embu after elections despite receiving the region's political support, but argued that the current administration had demonstrated a different approach by investing in projects that directly benefit residents.
"For many years we have supported others, but once they got into office they forgot us and concentrated development elsewhere. This time we will stand with someone who listens to us and does not look at whether we are a small community," she said.
Her remarks come as President Ruto continues to tour the Mt Kenya region, where his administration has been highlighting ongoing development projects amid heightened political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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