President William Ruto on Wednesday, November 12, kicked off his four-day development tour of the Ukambani region.
He is expected to visit Makueni County, Kitui County, and Machakos County during which he will commission roads and other development initiatives.
On the first day of his visit, Ruto commissioned the Kasikeu and Mikuyu Bridges and their approach roads in Makueni County.
He also issued title deeds to residents in Kasikeu and launched the Emali-Ukia Road in Kibwezi West, still in Makueni County.
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In a statement after the launch, Ruto said his administration is focused on projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
"We are implementing infrastructure development projects that meet the immediate needs of our citizens, unlocking the economic potential of our rural communities, and driving inclusive growth from the bottom up," he said.
Ruto reiterated that no part of the country would be left behind in his government’s development agenda.
"Our goal is to ensure that every part of our country, including Makueni County where development has lagged behind for far too long, is not left behind as we work to transform Kenya into a prosperous nation," he added.
Elsewhere, while speaking to the locals, Ruto hinted at plans to expand the Affordable Housing Programme to Emali, saying urban development should not be confined to major cities.
"Here in Emali, you want me to build affordable housing, right? So that Emali can have ten-storey buildings. Who said ten-storey buildings are only in Nairobi? Even Emali can become a city," he said.
Ruto last visited the region on Monday, October 20, during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua is among notable Ukambani leaders who did not attend the event, claiming that he was not invited.
He also blamed the organizing committee of the Mashujaa Day celebrations for not consulting him in the planning of the event.
"Being the Senator of Kitui and Deputy Minority leader in the Senate, I would have expected that if my input was necessary in this event, I would have expected consultations prior to the event. The team organizing the event should have had a sitting with the Senator. That did not happen and it was not for me to go and tell anyone that I hear you are coming to Kitui allow me some space," he explained.
He continued, "To date I have not received any invitation. I am an elected senator, I can be identified, surely someone should have sent me the invitation. It also courtesy to invite people to events."
