President William Ruto has announced a significant investment of Ksh4 billion by the Government to establish a new smart city in Malaba, Busia County. This initiative will feature 2,000 affordable housing units along with a range of amenities that will generate jobs, create business opportunities for local residents, and attract investors to the border town.
“We will transform Malaba into a smart city that enhances its appearance and elevates it beyond a mere shopping center,” the President stated.
During his address to grassroots leaders from the Iteso community at the Eldoret State Lodge in Uasin Gishu County, President Ruto highlighted that the Government has allocated Ksh18 billion for Busia County. This funding will support the construction of affordable housing, modern markets, and hostels for university and college students.
“To date, the Affordable Housing Programme has provided employment for 1.1 million individuals nationwide, including architects, quantity surveyors, mechanical engineers, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and masons,” he noted.
Regarding the 1.5 percent Housing Fund contributed by employees and employers to support the Affordable Housing Programme, the President assured that public servants have not faced financial hardship, as they have benefitted from a 10 percent salary increase in recent years.
President Ruto praised the leaders from Busia County for their efforts in educating residents about the importance of registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA), with 449,000 individuals—50 percent of the county’s population—having registered so far.
During the meeting, His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng III, the King of the Teso community in Kenya and Uganda, honored President Ruto by installing him as an elder and bestowing upon him the name Ojokotau, meaning “someone with a big heart” in Teso.
The President reiterated his commitment to uniting Kenyans, encouraging leaders to adopt issue-based politics in preparation for the upcoming General Election. He emphasized that the era of tribal politics concluded with the 2022 General Election, marking a shift toward policy-driven discussions.
“There is no longer room for tribal and discriminatory politics in Kenya,” he asserted. “In the 2022 General Election, Kenyans decisively ended tribal politics, and the formation of a Broad-Based Government in 2024 will eliminate divisive politics.”
He expressed confidence that in next year’s General Election, voters will thoroughly evaluate leaders based on their development records and service delivery, rather than on empty promises or tribal affiliations.
The President criticized certain politicians who he claimed are attempting to revert the country to outdated tribal alignments ahead of the elections. He urged them to prioritize the national development agenda rather than engage in rhetoric without addressing the pressing challenges faced by Kenyans.
“It is insufficient for critics to chant ‘Ruto must go’ without presenting a clear agenda and plan to the electorate,” he said.
“Next year’s General Election will be pivotal and transformative. We will end the stale politics of division and marginalization and usher in a new era characterized by unity, inclusion, and progress that leaves no community behind,” President Ruto declared.
He called upon Kenyans to reject his political rivals, labeling them “puppets” serving an unnamed political master. The President pointed out that his opponents lack a visionary agenda for the nation and are only focused on fulfilling their sponsor’s aspirations.
“After their sponsor failed to deliver results, they have been compensated to oppose all the initiatives my administration is undertaking,” he stated.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, representing the delegation, expressed their united support for the President, emphasizing their commitment to collaboration in the lead-up to the next election.
“We have chosen unity, partnership, and active participation in building Kenya alongside Your Excellency,” he affirmed.
Teso South MP Mary Emase also expressed the community’s support for President Ruto, citing various development projects initiated by his administration. The leaders expressed gratitude to the Government for identifying the Butula-Nambale-Amukura-Kocholia road for tracking and eagerly anticipated the commencement of its construction.
“I assure you that all leaders in Teso have resolved to set aside their differences and support your re-election next year,” Kaunya concluded.
