- President Ruto’s planned Ukambani development tour has been postponed.
- The move is meant to allow deeper consultations with regional leaders.
- CS Alfred Mutua says a wider leaders’ meeting will happen on May 21 at State House.
- Ruto met leaders from Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties on May 13.
- Key issues discussed include infrastructure, water, housing, and education.
President William Ruto has deferred his scheduled development visit to the Ukambani region to allow more time for engagement with local leaders. The trip, which was to take place later this month, will now happen at a later date following consultations with leaders from the region.
CS Mutua Confirms Postponement
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, who met with the President on May 13, confirmed the tour’s delay. He explained that the decision was reached to enable broader talks with the region’s leadership before setting new tour dates.
Key Meeting Slated for May 21 at State House
Mutua announced that a wider leaders’ forum has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at State House, Nairobi. The new date for the development tour will be set after this gathering. “We agreed with President @WilliamsRuto that a broader meeting with Ukambani leaders must take place before his visit,” he stated.
Leadership Voices to Shape Agenda
The CS noted that this larger meeting aims to give more leaders a platform to contribute ideas, ensuring the development agenda reflects the region’s actual needs. Mutua added that the government is committed to involving all voices in shaping inclusive and people-first projects for Ukambani.
May 13 Talks Focused on County Priorities
Earlier, on May 13, President Ruto hosted several leaders from Ukambani at State House for a consultative session. The talks brought together representatives from Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni to discuss development priorities.
Bottom-Up Approach Remains Key
Speaking after the meeting, Ruto said that the discussions were in line with his administration’s bottom-up approach. He stressed the importance of working hand in hand with local leaders to identify regional priorities and practical solutions.
Development Areas Highlighted by Leaders
The meeting touched on major infrastructure needs. Leaders raised concerns about poor roads, lack of clean water, weak education systems, limited housing, and outdated market facilities. These, they said, must be addressed to improve the region’s welfare.
Ruto Pledges Continued Dialogue
President Ruto pledged that the government will keep engaging with all regions and their leaders to ensure that development is not only visible but also rooted in the needs of
