Ruto in Murang'a: Projects Launched, Inspected and Commissioned

President William Ruto toured Murang’a County yesterday, launching and inspecting a series of infrastructure projects that span affordable housing, roads, energy, healthcare, sports, markets and education. The engagements offered a snapshot of ongoing construction activity across multiple constituencies in the county.

In Kandara town, Ruto broke ground for a 730-unit affordable housing project valued at KSh1.6 billion. He then laid the foundation stone at Gatanga estate for a larger development expected to deliver 1,910 units at a cost of KSh5.6 billion. The estate covers 28 acres and will include a primary school, early childhood education centre, market and social hall.

At Kiharu, the president laid the foundation stone for a 165-unit affordable housing project, with another 370 units in the pipeline. Officials placed the overall Affordable Housing Programme investment in Murang’a at KSh20 billion, targeting a total of 6,800 units. These projects are designed to increase the supply of decent homes while generating construction jobs.

Ruto flagged off the upgrade of the 48-kilometre Kandara-Karima Mwaro-Githuya-Nguthuru-Gatitu and Kibereke-Naaro-Kaburugi-Gatitu road project, budgeted at KSh2.8 billion. The works aim to improve connectivity within the area. He also commissioned last mile electricity connections that will link 14,000 households to the grid, boosting power access for residents and small businesses.

The president inspected expansion works at Kenneth Matiba Hospital in Ithanga, Gatanga Constituency. The KSh200 million project seeks to expand capacity and meet rising demand for health services in the surrounding communities.

He further reviewed progress on the 10,000-seater Mumbi Stadium, a KSh950 million investment intended to support sports development and talent nurturing. At Kayole market, Ruto inspected the modern facility valued at KSh50 million, which is expected to accommodate around 200 traders once completed.

At Kiharu TVET institution, attention turned to student housing facilities and the modern ICT Jitume lab. These additions support the expansion of technical and vocational training in the county. Separately, KSh2 billion has been allocated for the completion of Mau Mau roads, enhancing links to areas of historical significance.

The one-day visit featured a rapid succession of ground-breaking ceremonies, foundation stone layings, flag-offs and site inspections. Ruto received briefings from project teams at each stop, allowing him to evaluate implementation firsthand.

Murang’a has witnessed several such government-backed initiatives in recent years. The housing projects alone represent a substantial commitment to residential development in the county. Road and electricity components address longstanding gaps in basic infrastructure.

Health, sports and market facilities focus on improving public amenities. Education-related works at the TVET centre align with efforts to equip young people with practical skills. The combination of these projects in a single tour illustrated the breadth of construction activity currently underway.

Foundation stone ceremonies mark the transition from planning to physical construction on the housing estates. Flagging off the road project signals the start of contractor mobilisation on that corridor. Electricity connections are expected to deliver quicker benefits to households.

Local contractors and labourers stand to benefit from the various works. The developments form part of wider national programmes rolled out across different counties. Yesterday’s activities in Murang’a provided an update on how these priorities are advancing on the ground.

Observers noted the mix of project scales, from large housing estates to targeted facility upgrades. The visit came amid ongoing discussions about infrastructure delivery and its impact on local economies. Ruto’s presence allowed for direct engagement with the sites and communities involved.

Overall, the engagements underscored active development across housing, transport, energy and social infrastructure sectors in Murang’a County.