Ruto's Nairobi meet-the-people tour focuses on deal with Raila

A rainy Monday morning could not deter President William Ruto’s from his trademark ‘meet-the-people’ political approach as he toured Nairobi yesterday.

As he made his way through the bustling streets, large crowds gathered in anticipation, with growing concerns over the alarming levels of unemployment in the country.

Ruto’s visit to Kamukunji, an area once regarded as the stronghold of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, came just days after the historic signing of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) working framework.

The President assured Nairobi residents that the timing of this alliance was pivotal, underlining its importance in propelling the nation towards a brighter, more prosperous future.

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He explained that the decision was motivated by the belief that the country is more significant than any political party or tribe and that the united effort would address current challenges.

Under this arrangement, Ruto affirmed that no person, part of the country, or religion would be left behind, adding that Kenyans would walk this journey together. “When we unite, the country will move forward faster. There will be no more discrimination. When it comes to national identity (ID) cards, everyone will get them in accordance with their nationality as Kenyans. There will no longer be two levels; all of us are equal,” he stated.

It has been two and a half years since the Kenya Kwanza administration came into office. During his Nairobi tour, the President not only assessed his government’s progress, but also introduced new promises for development programmes worth millions of shillings.

Ruto launched the Nairobi River Regeneration project, which he claimed would benefit about 30,000 young people from Nairobi through employment, in addition to the construction of markets and affordable housing.

The project includes the construction of a 60-kilometre sewer stretch to prevent solid waste from being deposited into Nairobi River.

The President further mentioned plans for 50,000 units of social housing to be built on the reclaimed area, providing a decent home for those previously displaced due to floods.

“In Kamukunji, we are launching a historic programme where we will ensure that the sewage system, which has been disturbing many people in Nairobi by flowing into their homes, markets, and roads, is managed properly. We are launching the Nairobi regeneration programme today to clean up the sewage system and Nairobi River, as we build 50,000 units of social housing to ensure that the people of Nairobi no longer live in slums,” Ruto assured.

“I will be back here on January 15, 2027, to officially launch the regeneration project after its completion. In 24 months, you will see a huge difference in this Nairobi River. The country will not change if we do not make the right decisions,” he insisted.

On the first day of the Nairobi tour, Ruto said his government would transform the capital city, emphasising that no amount of resistance would stop him from delivering.

The day began with the President officially commissioning Kamukunji Technical and Vocational College, where he pledged Sh50 million to expand the institution and equip more youth with market-ready skills to enhance job creation and accelerate the transformation agenda.

He also pledged Sh5 million for the nearby school to renovate its structures, which he described as needing urgent attention.

Ruto also visited the Shauri Moyo affordable housing project, where the government plans to construct 4,600 houses on a 12-acre plot of land, adding that at least 100,000 units would be delivered in Nairobi over the next three years.

“Nairobi must change because it is the capital city of Kenya. It cannot continue being a place where people live in informal settlements with no water, electricity, or even toilets. That cannot continue in Nairobi,” he declared.

Reiterating his commitment to delivering affordable housing, the President criticised opposers of the project, arguing that they had failed to understand its impact, which includes providing employment and enabling people to live decently.

“There are people fighting me, wanting me to stop the affordable housing project. Do you want me to stop the project just because of a few people who are opposed to it? Nairobi is our country’s capital and the only United Nations headquarters in the Global South. It is such an important city that we must upgrade its face and make it modern,” the President said.

He pointed out that both the ODM and Kenya Kwanza manifestos had housing plans, which is why both parties are working together to implement the project.

He also announced that he would launch the Northern Collector Tunnel this week, which will provide additional water to Nairobi.

Ruto visited and opened the Zawadi Comprehensive School’s Dishi na County Central Kitchen, where he promised to continue expanding school feeding programmes across Kenya to boost enrollment and enhance learners’ performance.