TAITA TAVETA, Kenya – President William Ruto has defended his administration’s education reforms and development record, accusing political opponents of opposing government programmes without offering alternative solutions.
President William Ruto has defended his administration’s education reforms and development agenda, while sharply criticising political opponents whom he accused of spreading division and obstructing government projects.
Speaking during a tour of Taita Taveta County, Ruto highlighted investments in education, roads, markets, sports infrastructure, affordable housing and land reforms, presenting them as evidence of his government’s efforts to address longstanding development challenges in the region.
The President also used the visit to challenge his political opponents to present alternative policies rather than criticising government programmes.
“These people are agents sent to oppose everything. They have no alternative, then they look for leadership. Such people are not fit to even lead a village,” Ruto said.
Ruto defends education reforms
Ruto defended changes to the education financing model amid continued debate over funding and the implementation of education reforms.
He said the government had increased investment in the sector and maintained that public resources must be managed in a manner that ensures they reach schools and benefit learners.
The President said the government had recruited an additional 20,000 teachers and planned further recruitment before the end of the year.
“Students should be measured by intellect, not money. Government must manage funds,” he said.
Ruto also cited Sh18 billion allocated for third-term education funding, rejecting claims that schools had been left without adequate resources.
“Funds are already in schools,” he said.
The President’s comments come amid continued political debate over the implementation of the Competency-Based Education system, school financing and the distribution of resources to learning institutions.
President outlines Taita Taveta development projects
Ruto said his administration would prioritise development in Taita Taveta, arguing that the county had been overlooked by successive governments.
“Taita Taveta was forgotten for many years. I have said it will not be forgotten again,” he said.
Among the projects highlighted were road upgrades, markets, affordable housing and sports infrastructure.
Ruto said work was progressing on the Voi-Sagala road and the Taveta-Eldoro corridor, while funding and a contractor had been secured for the previously stalled Voi-Msau road.
“There is money and a contractor has started work,” he said.
The President also announced plans to construct a major stadium in Voi as part of the government’s wider sports infrastructure programme.
Other planned or ongoing facilities include stadium projects in Wajir and Nyeri.
Ruto defended the decision to invest in sports facilities outside Nairobi, saying development resources should be distributed across the country.
Seven markets planned
The government is also constructing seven new markets in the region, with plans to add three more, according to the President.
Ruto linked the investments to efforts to expand economic opportunities for traders and local communities.
He also cited the affordable housing programme, saying about 2,500 young people in the region were benefiting from employment opportunities created through construction.
“Some say we are eating affordable housing. But do you think plumbers don’t get paid? These are jobs for people at the bottom,” he said.
The President has repeatedly presented the affordable housing programme as both a housing initiative and an employment-generating project for young people and low-income workers.
Ruto announces rail plans linking Tanzania to Mombasa
The President also outlined plans for improved rail connectivity along the Kenya-Tanzania corridor.
He said the government was working towards a rail connection linking Tanzania through Voi to Mombasa, with stations planned along the route.
The President said improved transport infrastructure would help farmers in Taita Taveta move produce to domestic and international markets.
“Mali must reach the market,” he said, referring to agricultural products such as cassava produced in the region.
The planned infrastructure is expected to support trade and improve access to markets for farmers and businesses along the corridor.
Government targets coastal land disputes
President Ruto also addressed longstanding land ownership disputes affecting communities along the Coast.
He said the government had allocated Sh10 billion to compensate property owners affected by disputed land titles.
According to the President, the government has already processed 45,000 title deeds and plans to distribute about 500,000 additional titles across the coastal region.
“Each person will get their deed of ownership,” Ruto said.
He also pledged to address disputes affecting agricultural activities, including machungwa farming and cassava cultivation.
The President acknowledged that parts of the region were facing severe drought, with the situation worsened by elephants destroying crops.
He said he had consulted the Kenya Wildlife Service on measures to address human-wildlife conflict.
Ruto attacks political opponents
The President’s development message was accompanied by criticism of opposition leaders whom he accused of relying on ethnic mobilisation and political hostility.
Ruto said political leaders should be judged by their record and policies rather than their ethnic background.
“A leader is not measured by his tribe,” he said.
He challenged his opponents to explain what they would do differently if elected.
“Do not bring hatred and tribal division to me. I have spoken to my people, now you speak yours. Tell your agenda, your policies, and your plans,” Ruto said.
He also rejected what he described as attempts to use rumours and chaos to undermine his administration.
“Kenya is not changed by rumors and chaos. Let us abandon the politics of the past. We have 12 billion ongoing. Every day we do something,” he said.
