Ruto pledges Sh2bn to clear KeMU debt in next Financial Year

President William Ruto has announced that the government will allocate Sh2 billion in the next financial year to partially offset debts owed to Kenya Methodist University (KeMU), offering relief to the faith-based institution grappling with financial strain.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Friday during a meeting with leaders from the Methodist Church in Kenya, the President acknowledged delays in payments for government-sponsored students placed at the university and pledged to address the arrears.

“As government, we sent students to you; you taught them, but we did not pay you. We will pay you. I will look for at least Sh2 billion by June,” he said.

Ruto noted that outstanding obligations to both public and private universities exceed Sh120 billion, assuring that the government has a plan to progressively clear the debt.

He credited the new student-centred funding model for improving the financial standing of public universities, saying it had rescued 21 institutions from the brink of collapse.

The meeting brought together senior church leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Methodist Church Presiding Bishop John Maromba and Emeritus Presiding Bishop Joseph Ntombura.

On infrastructure, the President said construction of a new Sh7 billion bridge at the accident-prone Nithi River crossing will commence after completion of design work, with a contractor already on site. 

He also revealed that plans are underway to dual the Makutano–Embu–Meru–Maua road before the end of the year to ease traffic congestion along the busy corridor.

Ruto further urged support for the proposed National Infrastructure Fund, which aims to mobilise Sh5 trillion for major development projects, including highways, airports, railways and dams. He expressed optimism that by April, half of the required funding would have been secured.

The President also committed to compensating the Methodist Church for parcels of land in Nairobi and Mombasa reportedly occupied by squatters, saying relevant officials had been tasked with resolving the matter and submitting a report.

In the health sector, he promised government support to equip Mau Methodist Hospital with oncology equipment through the Social Health Authority.

Calling for closer collaboration, Ruto appealed to the church to work with the State in tackling rising drug abuse among young people, saying moral guidance from religious institutions was essential.

“It cannot be done by the State alone. There is a moral dimension that the church must address,” he said.

Deputy President Kindiki praised the Methodist Church’s emphasis on hard work, saving and generosity, describing those values as central to the Wesleyan tradition.

Presiding Bishop Maromba reaffirmed the church’s commitment to partnering with the government in advancing development, peace and justice, saying the institution would continue complementing State efforts in education and health care.