President Ruto Assures Kenyans No Part Of Kenya Will Be Left Out On Development

President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that no part of the country will be left behind in development because of political affiliation.

He dismissed the notion that Kenyans in Opposition strongholds would be ignored by the government in development.

Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Approved School grounds in Kakamega County, President Ruto said all Kenyans will be served equally.

“We all know that time for elections is over. We now have an opportunity for us to deliver. I am ready to work with all leaders irrespective of their political affiliation for the development of our country,” said President Ruto.

At the same time, the Head of State urged leaders to support initiatives aimed at fixing the economy besides creating jobs for the youth.

He made it clear that his primary focus is to  transform the country and address Kenya’s economic challenges.

The President said the government has enacted long-term policies aimed at transforming the country’s economy.

President Ruto singled out the Affordable Housing Programme as an initiative that will create jobs and decent homes for Kenyans.

“I am very intentional and deliberate on this housing programme because it will create jobs for our youth.  Already, 130,000 young people are working on the housing programme across the country,” he said.

He said former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has given the project a clean bill of health.

Meanwhile, President Ruto attributed the collapse of public sugar factories to huge debts and mismanagement.

He said the government will not relent in the fight against corruption in the sugar industry, adding that farmers in the sector have undergone untold suffering because of mismanagement.

“It’s particularly shocking that farmers delivered their cane to factories but were not paid. Similarly, workers’ salaries were not even paid,” President Ruto said.

The Head of State announced that he will soon send a proposal to the National Assembly for MPs to consider allocating KSh3 billion to the sugar industry to support farmers produce more for local consumption and export.

He regretted that the country’s food import bill stood at KSh500 billion a year, saying efforts must be made to increase production and reduce imports.

“We will only reduce imports on food items if we embrace initiatives aimed at encouraging our farmers to produce more food, including sugar, maize, wheat and maize,” said President Ruto.

He once again assured the people of Western Kenya that there were no plans to sell or privatise public sugar factories. The President also announced plans to establish a multi-billion gold processing plant in the region.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi asked Kenyans to be patient and allow President Ruto to implement his agenda.

He said Kenya was respected globally because of President Ruto’s tireless efforts to transform the country.

“As leaders, we should accord our President the necessary support to implement his agenda because he means well for this nation,” he said.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula praised the President for moving swiftly to help sugarcane farmers get their dues.

“I have received calls from farmers telling me to inform the Head of State that they have received their dues and are grateful,” said Mr Wetangula.

He told the President not to be bothered by those who keep criticising his administration, saying his focus will take Kenya to the next level of development.

“Mr President, ignore those who continue to criticise your administration unfairly and focus on your agenda,” said Mr Wetangula.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa said Kenya was now out of debt distress, adding that some countries have defaulted on debt repayment.

“We are grateful that our President has taken Kenya out of debt crisis by implementing measures aimed at fixing the economy,” he said.

Governors Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Ken Lusaka (Bungoma) and  Wilberforce Otichilo of Vihiga said they will support the government in implementing the agenda that benefits Kenyans.

Mr Otichilo said President Ruto’s efforts to combat climate change have helped the country get funds from international organisations.

Governor Barasa urged leaders to embrace teamwork and support initiatives like housing to create jobs for the youth.

Western Parliamentary  Caucus Chairman Bernard Shinali, who is also the Ikolomani MP, said all the 17 MPs in the region have resolved to work with the government for the sake of development.