Ruto's Diary: Champions development, sports and AU reforms in packed week

President William Ruto during a meeting with professionals from Kuria West and Kuria East constituencies on September 2, 2025/PCS 

President William Ruto’s past week was yet again marked by a showcase of development tours and global diplomacy.

During the week, he commissioned projects in Siaya, unveiled development plans for Turkana, and hosted global dignitaries in Nairobi before flying to Mombasa.

Here's a roundup.

August 31, Sunday 

The Head of State began his itinerary in Siaya County with a Sunday service at St. Peter’s Cathedral Church, Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Maseno West. 

After the service, he commissioned the Sh1 billion Ugunja-Sega-Ukwala Water Supply and Sanitation Project, which he described as a “game-changer” for the region.

The project will serve close to 20,000 households with more than 10 million litres of water daily, easing access to clean and safe water for communities in Ugunja, Ukwala, Sega and surrounding areas.

“We are delivering safe, clean, and affordable drinking water to households across the country; transforming livelihoods, improving sanitation, and enhancing the quality of life for every Kenyan,” he said.

Ruto also presided over the groundbreaking of the Sidindi Fresh Produce Market, a modern facility meant to empower farmers and traders in Siaya. 

He reminded residents that across Kenya, more than 320,000 young people were already earning a living through affordable housing projects, a number expected to double by December as investments expand. 

Later, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constructing 18 modern markets across Siaya County to give small traders decent spaces to grow their businesses.

President William Ruto flags off Kenya athletics team to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan/PCS 

September 2, Tuesday 

The President shifted his focus to State House, Nairobi, where he hosted grassroots leaders from Turkana County.

He urged them to accelerate Social Health Authority (SHA) registration in order to guarantee universal, affordable healthcare for all households. 

He also unveiled a string of multi-billion-shilling projects to open up Turkana, including the overhaul of the Maili Tisa–Kitale–Kainuk–Lokichar Road, a Sh2.3 billion rural electrification programme, a Sh900 million stadium in Lodwar, expansion of the Turkwel Irrigation Scheme, and construction of student hostels worth Sh2.3 billion.

“Turkana’s progress has for too long been held back. We are now transforming its infrastructure, agriculture and services to connect it to greater opportunities and markets,” he told the leaders.

Later that day, he met professionals from Kuria West and Kuria East constituencies in Migori County.

He also witnessed the signing of a landmark memorandum of understanding between Kenya and the US State of Nebraska. 

The pact, signed by Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu and Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, will boost cooperation in diaspora engagement, student training, agriculture, labour exchange and technology transfer.

The President also met leaders of the ACK Mt. Kenya South Diocese, where he emphasized the integral role of the church in national development, saying: “The relationship between the Church and the Government is inseparable in driving progress for our people.”

President William Ruto when he witnessed the signing of a MOU between Kenya and the US State of Nebraska/PCS 

September 3, Wednesday 

At State House, Nairobi, he engaged private sector CEOs on his vision to rally leadership, investment, and collaboration in positioning Kenya as a true global sports powerhouse.

He described Kenya as a nation “richly endowed with immense talent” but under-leveraged in global sporting opportunities. 

In the evening, he flagged off the national team heading to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, while unveiling an enhanced athletes’ reward scheme. Gold medalists will now pocket Sh3 million, up from Sh750,000, while silver and bronze winners will take home Sh2 million and Sh1 million respectively.

At State House, the President also received credentials from nine new ambassadors and high commissioners, strengthening Kenya’s diplomatic networks. 

He later hosted the Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Dagvin Anderson, where discussions centered on consolidating regional peace and security partnerships.

President William Ruto during a meeting with Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Dagvin Anderson/PCS 

September 4, Thursday 

The day saw Ruto in his role as African Union Champion for Institutional Reforms, hosting a high-level panel led by former South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka to review the AU’s peace and security framework. 

He commended the team for deploying their vast experience, saying their work was key to anchoring Africa’s transformation agenda. 

"An effective and well-functioning governance, peace and security architecture is fundamental to Africa’s aspirations,” he said, promising to present the findings at an AU Summit in November.

Later in the day, he officially opened the 2025 Mombasa Agricultural Society of Kenya International Show, where he defended his administration’s shift from consumption subsidies to production-focused support for farmers. 

“The results are visible and measurable: stronger food security, higher farmer incomes, and renewed investor confidence,” he noted.

President William Ruto with other leaders during the Mombasa ASK show on September 4,2025/PCS 

Ruto concluded the activities by touring the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, praising Governor Abdulswamad Nassir for making Mombasa the leading county in SHA registration. 

“This is no small feat but a testament to bold leadership and collective effort,” he said, reaffirming his government’s goal of ensuring healthcare becomes a guaranteed right for every Kenyan.