By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya , August 26, 2026 - President William Ruto has announced plans to upgrade a key road serving Emurua Dikirr to a Class B road, as the government moves to improve the constituency's connection to markets and unlock new opportunities for trade, education and employment.
Ruto made the announcement on Wednesday while inspecting the ongoing construction of the Mamboleo Modern Market in Emurua Dikirr, Narok County, where he said the existing road would no longer be treated as a low-volume road but upgraded to a higher standard.
The President said the road would run from Salgai through Jebole, Bosi, Emurua Dikirr, Shartuka and Eno Sign, opening up communities along the corridor and improving their connection to markets across Kenya.
“This road was initially constructed as a low-volume seal road. But now I have allocated money for the construction of a Class B road that will be built here.”
Ruto said the road was important because he wanted Emurua Dikirr to have stronger links with markets beyond the constituency.
“I want this area to open up and for you to be connected to markets and the rest of Kenya.”
He said he would return in October to officially launch construction of the road.
The road announcement came as the President inspected the Mamboleo Modern Market, one of 17 modern markets being developed across Narok County.
Ruto said construction of the Mamboleo facility was almost complete and promised to return next month to hand it over to traders.
“This market is one month away from completion, and I will come back to hand it over so that traders can continue doing their work there.”
The new market is expected to provide an organised trading environment for hundreds of small businesses that currently operate in less structured spaces. Local traders have previously said modern market facilities would help protect their goods from weather damage and reduce the risks associated with roadside trading.
The President also linked the market project to the government's wider affordable housing and urban development programme, saying Emurua Dikirr should not be left behind as similar projects are implemented across the country.
But beyond the market, Ruto used the visit to unveil a major investment in higher education.
He announced that the government had allocated KSh1.2 billion for the construction of a new university in Emurua Dikirr, which will be named in honour of the late area MP Johana Ng’eno.
“You asked me for a university here at Emurua Dikirr. Today I have brought you KSh1.2 billion for the construction of a new university that will be in honour of our late brother Johana Ng’eno.”
Ruto said the institution would expand access to university education for young people from Emurua Dikirr, Narok and the wider region.
“The university will help the children from this area, Narok and the rest of Narok.”
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The university announcement adds another layer to the government's development programme in an area that has recently received increased political attention.
Ruto also announced KSh180 million for the construction of hostels for students at the Kenya Medical Training College, saying the investment would expand opportunities for young people pursuing technical and medical education.
He framed the various projects as part of a strategy to create the conditions necessary for economic growth rather than relying solely on political mobilisation.
“The way to eliminate poverty and expand employment opportunities is to have your own university here, have markets, build this road and connect electricity.”
The President said better roads would enable residents to access markets while improved education infrastructure would give young people greater opportunities to acquire skills and employment.
The emphasis on connectivity is particularly significant for an agricultural constituency, where improved roads can reduce the cost and difficulty of moving farm produce to larger markets.
Ruto also called for peace and unity in the area, saying development would be difficult to achieve in an environment characterised by conflict and political divisions.
“We want peace in this area. We want unity among the people so that we can plan development together.”
He urged residents to reject violence and ethnic hostility, saying the government wanted communities to work together as it implemented development projects.
The President's visit comes barely a week after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visited Emurua Dikirr, a development that has attracted political attention because of the timing of the two visits. The Standard reported that Gachagua's August 2026 visit had prompted speculation among residents about whether it influenced Ruto's decision to tour the constituency.
For residents and traders, however, the immediate significance of the President's visit lies in the projects announced and inspected.
The Mamboleo market is nearing completion, the road is set for an upgrade, students are set to benefit from new KMTC hostels and the government has committed KSh1.2 billion towards a university.
Together, the projects point to a government strategy of using transport, markets and education infrastructure to connect Emurua Dikirr more closely to the wider economy.
And that is, in my view, the strongest story here: Ruto is presenting infrastructure as the bridge between Emurua Dikirr's local economy and the wider Kenyan market.