President William Ruto capped a high-powered week of diplomacy, development commitments and governance reforms with Thursday’s State of the Nation Address, in which he detailed progress made over the last three years and outlined an expansive roadmap for the country’s next phase of transformation.
In his address to Parliament, the President reported gains in stabilising the economy, improving food security, expanding infrastructure and strengthening critical sectors such as education, health and housing.
He submitted three statutory reports to the House and reaffirmed his government’s ambitious plan to construct 50 mega dams, generate 10,000MW of power, dual 2,000 kilometres of highways, build 28,000 kilometres of roads, and upgrade key ports and airports.
But, the State of the Nation Address was only the highlight of an intensive week that also saw the President host international delegations, commission academic institutions, sign critical legislation and preside over major national and regional engagements.
Here's a round-up:
November 16, Sunday
On Sunday, he worshipped at the Africa Inland Church in Logologo, Marsabit County, joining congregants for a Diamond Jubilee celebration anchored on Psalm 118:24:
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
November 17, Monday
On Monday, he announced that the long-awaited dualling of the 170km Rironi-Naivasha-Mau Summit road will begin on November 28, marking a turning point for a corridor long plagued by congestion, accidents and costly delays.
A second 58km stretch between Rironi, Maai Mahiu and Naivasha will also be dualled.
He met China Communications Construction Company President Zhang Bingman, acknowledging China’s role in Kenya’s major infrastructure projects, from the SGR and Nairobi Expressway to the planned Talanta Sports City, new stadia, the Bomas Convention Centre and the Lamu-Ijara-Garissa road.
Later, he opened the 14th International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges Conference in Nairobi, urging fairness, courage and independence in refugee adjudication.
Kenya currently hosts nearly 800,000 refugees and asylum seekers and is rolling out the Shirika Plan to support dignified integration.
The President then awarded a charter to Gretsa University in Thika and met Marubeni Corporation Chairman Masumi Kakinoki, whose company plans to expand into e-mobility, pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity and e-commerce.
November 18, Tuesday
On Tuesday, the President held talks with the South Sudan Council of Churches, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to support peace, political dialogue and preparations for the December 2026 elections.
He later met World Bank Africa Executive Director Zarau Kibwe, who commended Kenya’s National Infrastructure Fund and the country’s plan to construct 50 mega dams to boost irrigation across the ASAL belt.
The fund also targets 20,000km of rural roads, dualing 2,000km of highways and generating 10,000MW of electricity.
At State House, he received ambulances and medical supplies from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for national referral hospitals, county health systems and the National Emergency Response Centre.
He also awarded a charter to AMREF International University, praising its role in training African health professionals.
November 19, Wednesday
On Wednesday evening, he hosted the Taxpayers Dinner at State House to celebrate 30 years of the Kenya Revenue Authority and 20 years of Taxpayers’ Day.
He pledged reforms to seal financial leakages, rationalise spending and ensure every shilling delivers value.
Earlier, he held talks with Azerbaijan’s Defence Industry Minister Vugar Mustafayev to deepen cooperation in security, trade and investment.
November 20, Thursday
Thursday was dedicated to the State of the Nation Address, in which the President declared that Kenya is now on a stable economic path, crediting hard choices made to tame inflation, strengthen the shilling and expand investment opportunities.
He emphasised that the country must now invest heavily in science, technology and engineering education to support industrialisation and sustain long-term growth.
November 21, Friday
On Friday, the President assented to four key Bills, including the County Governments Additional Allocations Act, which grants counties an extra Sh70.6 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
Other laws signed include amendments to the Capital Markets Act, repeal of the 1929 Provisional Collection of Taxes and Duties Act, and the Government-Owned Enterprises Act, which introduces modern governance standards for State corporations.
Later, he presided over the third graduation ceremony of the National Defence University, Kenya, praising the institution’s role in producing officers equipped for modern security challenges, including those involving artificial intelligence and emerging threats.
November 22, Saturday
On Saturday, he travelled to Kisii for the 11th anniversary of the Gospel Embassy Chapel.
He later attended the wedding of Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu’s son, concluding a week that blended governance, diplomacy, religious fellowship and political engagement.
