Ruto says broad-based government to transform economy

President Ruto launched several projects during a development tour of Embu County on August 7, 2024. [Muriithi Mugo, Standard]

President William Ruto has defended the decision to form a broad-based government saying this will enable the country to move forward and allow the input of everyone in matters of taxation.

Ruto was optimistic that the broad-based government will deliver the much-needed economic transformation to Kenyans saying that the new Cabinet brings together people with divergent and progressive views on how to move Kenya forward.

Speaking during a development tour of Kanyuambora, Mbeere North constituency, Embu county, Wednesday, he urged Kenyans to maintain peace for the sake of development.

"I don't want to be called Zakayo alone and that is why I have brought different leaders together to explore ways and means of raising more taxes and paying debt. This tax does not go to my account," Ruto said.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua lauded the President for nominating former Attorney General Justin Muturi as Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management Cabinet Secretary.

The Head of State launched projects including the Iriari Irrigation Project expected to create more than 5,000 jobs, tarmacking of the 25 Kms Rukuriri-Kathageri-Kanyuambora road to unlock Embu’s agricultural economic potential.

"On higher education, the government has increased funding for universities and TVET colleges and pledged that no student would be turned away for lack of fees," Ruto said.

In Mbeere North constituency, the President launched the tarmacking of the 42km Kanyuambora- Kamumu-Kageri/ Muvakari- Kanyuambora/ Gachoka- Gachuriri/Kangeta- Kiumbu-ini roads.

Highlighting the benefits of his foreign trips to the country, the President pointed out that the Sh2.7 billion road project is funded by financing sourced from China during his trip in October 2023.

The President said his administration will pump Sh3.5 billion towards the completion of 10 irrigation projects in Embu County.

He also inaugurated the Kanyuambora Irrigation project, which will have 1,000 acres of land under irrigation.

The contractor Parminder Singh Manku said the project being undertaken by the National Irrigation Authority will be complete by May 2025 and will benefit more than 1,250 farmers directly while 10,000 others are expected to benefit indirectly. 

At Cianthai village, President Ruto launched the Last Mile Connectivity at the home of Lydia Nyaga. The project which was implemented by Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (Rerec) has seen about 200 residents connected to electricity.

Ruto announced that the government has set aside Sh500 million to connect more than 5000 homes to electricity in the county.

Further, the President said the government will set up seven new markets in the county at a cost of Sh2 billion.