KAPENGURIA, Kenya – President William Ruto has outlined a 30-year vision to transform Kapenguria into a city, pledging Sh800 million to upgrade Makutano Stadium to international standards as he announced plans for new housing, markets, water and sewerage infrastructure.
Speaking on Friday, October 16, 2026, during an inspection of Makutano Stadium and the last-mile electricity connectivity programme in West Pokot County, Ruto said the national government would take over the stadium project and mobilise funds for its improvement.
“I will look for Sh800 million first and see how this stadium can be improved,” the President said, urging residents to support the project.
Ruto congratulated West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin for pursuing the stadium project but said the national government would take responsibility for upgrading the facility.
“Now, from there, I want to take over this stadium and build it,” he said.
The proposed investment is part of a broader development agenda that includes 1,000 affordable housing units, a new market, expansion of the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), and improved water and sanitation infrastructure.
“Kapenguria must change; we must transform it into a city,” Ruto said, adding that the government wanted to develop the town with the next 30 years in mind.
Sh800 Million Stadium Upgrade
The planned Sh800 million investment is intended to bring Makutano Stadium to international standards, potentially expanding its capacity to host sporting competitions and community events.
However, Ruto did not provide a detailed breakdown of the proposed expenditure or announce a completion date for the upgrade.
The project’s eventual impact will depend on the scope of construction, the facilities delivered and the funding available for maintenance after completion.
The stadium plan comes amid wider government investment commitments in roads, electricity connectivity, markets and other public infrastructure across West Pokot.
Ruto Announces 1,000 Affordable Houses
The President also announced plans for 1,000 affordable housing units in Kapenguria, saying the programme was expected to begin the following week.
He said the government would also construct another market and pursue further investment in housing and education facilities.
“Once you finish this stadium early, I have another project,” Ruto told residents, referring to the planned housing programme and other developments.
The President did not specify where the proposed housing units would be built, their prices, the financing arrangements or the criteria residents would use to qualify.
Those details will determine how the programme serves local households, particularly low-income families and workers seeking affordable homes.
Muruny Water Pledge Before Christmas
Ruto also promised that residents would receive water from Muruny before Christmas, saying dam and pipeline works were nearing completion.
“Before December, before you go for Christmas, you will have drunk water from Muruny,” he said.
He linked the water commitment to Kapenguria’s planned expansion, noting the importance of reliable water supply and sanitation as the town grows.
The government’s programme for the day also included the commissioning of the Kapenguria-Makutano town sewerage project, laying the foundation stone for student hostels in Kapenguria and inspecting the Makutano Economic Stimulus Programme Market.
The delivery of the water pledge will depend on the completion of the infrastructure and the distribution systems required to supply households.
Electricity Connectivity And Local Business
The inspection also covered the last-mile electricity connectivity programme, which aims to extend power access to homes and businesses in West Pokot.
Reliable electricity can support small businesses, improve household access to power and create opportunities for enterprises to expand. The benefits will depend on the number of new connections, the reliability of supply and consumers’ ability to afford electricity.
The proposed market and housing developments could also increase demand for local services and create opportunities for traders and other businesses if the projects are completed and made accessible to residents.
The Test Of Kapenguria’s City Ambitions
Ruto’s 30-year vision brings together several elements of urban development, including housing, electricity, water, sanitation, education, markets and recreation.
But the transformation will depend on whether the projects receive the necessary funding, meet delivery timelines and provide reliable services to residents.
The immediate tests include the proposed Sh800 million stadium investment, the planned start of 1,000 affordable homes and the President’s pledge to deliver Muruny water before Christmas.
