Ruto returns from foreign trip, begins Coast development tour

‎President William Ruto has arrived in the Coast region for a four-day development tour that will see him launch infrastructure projects, issue title deeds and attend a thanksgiving ceremony in Kilifi County.

‎Ruto landed in Mombasa Thursday morning from Kazakhstan, where he had been on an official state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and the Central Asian nation.

‎His foreign trip also saw him attend the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he addressed delegates in his capacity as the global champion for adequate housing, an honour conferred on him by UN-Habitat following the progress recorded under Kenya’s housing programme.

‎He had been invited in recognition of his leadership and success in affordable housing and sustainable."

‎The President begins the Coast itinerary, with his first engagement scheduled at Mama Ngina Drive in Mombasa County, where he is expected to preside over the issuance of title deeds to residents.

‎State House officials said the tour is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate development projects in the Coast region while addressing long-standing land ownership challenges that have affected many families for decades.

‎On Friday, the Head of State will continue the tour in Lamu and Tana River Counties, where he is expected to commission and inspect several development initiatives.

‎In Tana River County, the President is expected to officially open the Kipini Fish Port in Kipini town, a project aimed at strengthening the blue economy and improving livelihoods for fishermen and traders in the region.

‎The fish port is expected to create jobs, enhance the fish trade and attract investment along the Coast.

‎Ruto will also visit Garsen, where he is scheduled to preside over the groundbreaking of the Affordable Housing Programme, the first Garsen Teachers Training College and the Garsen Stadium.

‎In Kilifi County, Ruto is set to preside over the groundbreaking ceremony for the 12-kilometre Mjanaheri–Ngomeni Road project.

‎The road project is being implemented by the Coast Development Authority with support from the Government of Kenya and the Government of Italy through Italian Cooperation.

‎According to project officials, the road is expected to improve connectivity between Mjanaheri, Ngomeni and neighbouring areas by easing access to schools, hospitals, markets, fishing landing sites and tourism destinations.

‎The government says the infrastructure project will also spur trade, attract investment opportunities and create jobs for local residents, especially young people in the region.

‎The project is due for completion in December.

‎On Sunday, Ruto is expected to attend a prayer service and thanksgiving ceremony in honour of Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs.

‎The event will be held at Mnagoni School in Bamba, Kilifi County and is expected to attract political leaders, religious figures and residents from across the Coast region.

‎The President’s visit comes amid increased political activity in the Coast region as the government intensifies development engagements and seeks to strengthen support in the area through infrastructure expansion and delivery of public services.