Governor Sang shifts focus to legacy projects, Ruto’s 2027 Re-election

Governor Stephen Sang of Nandi has shifted his focus to completing his legacy projects in Nandi County and campaigning to support President William Ruto’s re-election, which he says is critical for the country to sustain the development gains made by the Kenya Kwanza government.

Sang, who is serving his second term, says he is keen to ensure the life-changing projects he has initiated are completed before he ends his tenure.

He notes that his achievements have helped transform key sectors including healthcare, agriculture, water, trade, industry, and infrastructure.

His impending exit as governor has sparked interest from politicians in the region who are already strategising to succeed him in the next general elections.

So far, top names eyeing the seat include Senator Samson Cherargei, Woman Representative Cynthia Muge, Tinderet MP Julius Melly, and lawyer Allan Kosgey, among others.

They have been holding strategy meetings and attending public events across Nandi, a county that is both an agricultural hub and famously known as the “home of champions,” having produced some of the world’s greatest athletes.

“I am proud to serve the great people of Nandi as their governor. Together we have made great strides in the development of our county. We are now focused on completing the projects we have initiated to exploit the potential we have in various sectors,” said Sang.

At 40, Governor Sang will complete his term at a relatively young age, sparking debate over his political future.

Many residents believe he still has the energy, vision, and ability to serve in another role.

A resident, Eliud Tanui, suggested Sang could either run for Senator again or seek the MP seat in his home constituency of Aldai.

 “He has served as Senator for one term, and he can still return to the same position or seek to be MP for Aldai. As an experienced politician, I believe he will consult the people of Nandi on his political future,” said Tanui.

Governor Sang admitted there has been pressure on him to run either as Senator or MP. However, he dismissed the debate as premature.

 “My position is that it is misplaced and premature to have such considerations. My focus now is on the completion and operationalisation of all our ward-based and flagship projects across the county. This will cement my legacy and contribution to my beloved county,” said Sang in an interview with The Star.

Sang added that he is also lobbying for more strategic national government projects and programs in the county and the North Rift region, where he serves as chairman of the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB), a coalition of eight counties.

He emphasised that his immediate political agenda is to back President Ruto’s re-election.

“I strongly believe that President Ruto is unlocking this country for a bright future. He is long-sighted, and those of us privileged to serve with him as leaders must work hard with Kenyans to give him a second term,” said Sang.

The governor noted that the president’s vision for sectors such as healthcare, housing, youth empowerment, agriculture, and infrastructure must be safeguarded for the stability of the economy and equal opportunities for all.

“That is why even as I focus on completing my legacy projects, I am also working with our people in Nandi and other regions to ensure President Ruto gets a second term. This is key for sustaining the many good initiatives he has started across the country,” Sang said.

In Nandi, the governor is implementing projects in all wards valued at billions of shillings. He believes they will unlock the county’s economic and social potential.

“We have completed hundreds of projects spanning ECDE, health facilities, agricultural projects, water, and roads. Many are already operational, and others are ready for official opening,” said Sang.

He is targeting about 30 flagship projects before his term ends in three years. So far, more than Sh10 billion has been invested across 30 wards to help communities fight disease, poverty, and illiteracy.

Flagship projects include Kabiyet Dairies, partly funded by the county and the World Bank at a cost of Sh1.2 billion, which is expected to boost farmers’ earnings through value addition.

Other major projects include the Mother and Baby Hospital at Kapseret County Referral Hospital, costing more than Sh500 million and now 90 per cent complete, and the Kipchoge Sports Complex, which is 95 percent complete at a cost of Sh150 million.

Residents have also pointed to the Mosoriot Textile Firm, which trains and employs youth, and an avocado factory that will support farmers diversifying from maize.

In healthcare, Sang has expanded the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, which now has an ICU facility with 16 beds—the only such facility outside Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in the region. Residents say the expansion has reduced costs for patients who previously had to travel to Eldoret for specialised care.

Sang praised President Ruto for supporting development projects in Nandi and across the country. He concluded by stressing that residents will have the final say on his political future.