President William Ruto has vowed to spearhead an ambitious infrastructure transformation programme aimed at connecting the country and unlocking new economic opportunities.
Outlining a comprehensive road construction plan, Ruto said the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s vision for a modern, well-connected Kenya continues to inspire the country’s growth agenda.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, the President described infrastructure as the backbone of economic growth, noting that Kenya’s future prosperity depends on bold investments in roads, railways, and trade corridors.
"Baba, who also served as Minister for Roads, Public Works, and Housing under the late President Mwai Kibaki, often reminded me that no economy can flourish without world-class infrastructure," he said.
The President said his administration is committed to dualing at least 1,000 kilometres of major highways across the country.
Among them are the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba road, Makutano–Embu–Meru road, Kitengela–Namanga road, Mombasa–Nairobi highway, and the Marua–Nanyuki–Isiolo road.
In addition, he announced plans to construct an extra 10,000 kilometres of new tarmac roads to link farmers, traders, and manufacturers to markets nationwide.
The President also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to completing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba, creating a continuous rail link between Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“These projects will not only boost domestic trade and productivity but also place Kenya at the centre of the African Continental Free Trade Area dream,” the President said.
Ruto acknowledged that some Kenyans might view the infrastructure agenda as overly ambitious or unattainable, but insisted that boldness and vision are essential traits of transformative leadership.
“To some, these projects may seem too ambitious, perhaps even out of reach,” he said.
“But this is precisely where bold, visionary, and heroic leadership comes into play, the kind that Hon. Raila Odinga embodied.”
The President’s remarks, which paid tribute to the late ODM leader, were met with applause from the crowd.
He said Raila’s legacy as a champion of public infrastructure and economic transformation would continue to inspire Kenya’s development journey.
Raila was laid to rest on Sunday at his Bondo home in Siaya County.
During the event, Ruto also led Kenyans in a moment of silence in his honour.
He also conferred him with the highest honour in Kenya of the Chief of the Golden Heart of Kenya (CGH).
Ruto said this was a recognition of extraordinary contributions and an enduring legacy.
"The government and people of Kenya inscribe Hon Raila Odinga’s name among the foremost of our heroes, under the public seal of the Republic," Ruto said.
