By Pascal Ndegwa - Reporter
Kenya, October 16, 2026 - PResident Ruto speaking during an inspection of Makutano Stadium and the last-mile electricity connectivity programme in West Pokot County, Ruto said the national government would take over the stadium project and mobilise funds for its improvement.
“I will look for Ksh 800 million first and see how this stadium can be improved,” the president said, urging residents to support the project.
Ruto linked the proposed stadium upgrade to a broader development plan that includes 1,000 affordable housing units, a new market, expansion of the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and improved water and sewerage infrastructure.
“Kapenguria must change; we must transform it into a city,” he said, adding that the government wanted to build the town for the next 30 years.
The president congratulated West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin for pursuing the stadium project but said he wanted the national government to take over its improvement.
“Now, from there, I want to take over this stadium and build it,” Ruto said.
He did not provide a detailed breakdown of the proposed Ksh 800 million expenditure or announce a completion date for the upgrade.
The proposed investment comes as the government continues to prioritise roads, markets, electricity connectivity and other public infrastructure across West Pokot.
For Makutano residents, a modern stadium could provide facilities for sporting competitions and community events. Its long-term value, however, will depend on the scope of construction, the quality of the facilities and funding for maintenance.
Ruto also announced plans for 1,000 affordable housing units in Kapenguria, saying the programme was expected to begin the following week.
He said the government would also construct another market and pursue further investment in housing and education facilities.
“Once you finish this stadium early, I have another project,” he told residents, referring to the planned housing programme, market and further affordable housing.
The President did not specify the location of the proposed housing units, their prices, the financing arrangements or the criteria residents would use to qualify.
Those details will be important in determining how the project will benefit local households, particularly low-income families and workers seeking affordable homes.
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The president also promised that residents would receive water from Muruny before Christmas, saying the government was completing the dam and water pipeline works.
“Before December, before you go for Christmas, you will have drunk water from Muruny,” he said.
He also referred to the town’s sewerage system, linking reliable water and sanitation services to Kapenguria’s planned expansion.
The government’s development programme for the day included commissioning the Kapenguria-Makutano town sewerage project, laying the foundation stone for student hostels at Kapenguria KMTC, electricity connectivity and inspecting the Makutano Economic Stimulus Programme Market.
Ruto’s water pledge places renewed attention on the completion of the Muruny water infrastructure and the distribution system needed to deliver water to households.
The inspection also covered last-mile electricity connectivity, part of wider efforts to extend power access to homes and businesses in West Pokot.
Electricity connections can support small businesses, improve household access to power and create opportunities for enterprises to expand. The impact will depend on the number of households connected, the reliability of supply and consumers’ ability to afford electricity.
Ruto’s 30-year vision brings together several elements of urban development: housing, electricity, water, sanitation, education, markets and recreation.
But the proposed city transformation will depend on whether the projects receive funding, meet delivery timelines and provide reliable services to residents.
The immediate tests include the proposed Ksh 800 million stadium investment, the planned start of 1,000 affordable homes and the President’s promise to deliver Muruny water before Christmas.
For Kapenguria residents, the measure of progress will be whether these commitments translate into completed infrastructure, better services and affordable opportunities for local households and businesses.