By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, April 24, 2026 - President William Ruto on Friday intensified his political charm offensive in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, unveiling a Sh2 billion roads package and rallying residents to judge his administration on its development record ahead of the next General Election.
Speaking in Kagumoini, Mathioya Constituency in Murang’a County, the President announced fresh funding for the completion of the remaining sections of the Mau Mau roads, a key infrastructure project seen as critical to unlocking the region’s economic potential.
“We are committing KSh2 billion towards the completion of the remaining sections of Mau Mau roads, enhancing connectivity across the Mt Kenya region,” said Ruto.
He said the government was prioritising road networks to link rural producers to markets, noting that similar projects were ongoing across the country to spur economic growth at the grassroots.
“As we do across the country, we are connecting villages to towns and farmers to markets here in Murang’a,” he added.
During the tour, the President flagged off the construction of the 18.5-kilometre Kiriko–Kagumoini–Gitugi–Chui–Karugia road at a cost of KSh897 million. The project is expected to ease transportation challenges and boost trade in Mathioya and neighbouring Kangema Constituency.
Ruto also used the visit to engage local residents, updating them on ongoing development programmes while seeking to consolidate political support in a region considered pivotal in the 2027 elections.
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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who accompanied the President, framed the development push as central to the administration’s re-election prospects, dismissing political rhetoric devoid of tangible results.
“The next election will be decided by voters based on the development track record and the vision of leaders to transform lives, but not by insults, chest-thumping or empty rhetoric,” said Kindiki.
He noted that the Kiriko–Kagumoini–Karugia road would directly benefit farmers and traders by improving access to markets and reducing transport costs.
The Mt Kenya tour underscores the growing political significance of infrastructure projects as the Kenya Kwanza administration seeks to solidify its support base in a region that has historically played a decisive role in presidential elections.