Ruto promises to transform Ukambani region

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President William Ruto has said Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties will greatly benefit from irrigation projects that are set to transform agriculture in the Ukambani region.

Speaking at Eastern Kenya Integrated College in Mitaboni, Machakos County, on Saturday, the President said Thwake Dam, now in its final stages of construction, will be a game changer by putting thousands of acres of land under irrigation.

He noted that the project, which is designed to store up to 688 million cubic metres of water, will serve multiple purposes including irrigation, domestic use, industrial supply and hydro-power generation.

“The next frontier for agricultural transformation is irrigation, and Ukambani has huge potential,” Dr Ruto said.

“Once complete, Thwake will turn this region’s fertile land into full production and productivity.”

The dam, located at the confluence of Athi and Thwake rivers, is expected to provide safe water to more than 1.3 million people across Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos, as well as Konza Techno City.

It will also support irrigation on over 40,000 hectares of farmland, opening up the region to large-scale food production.

Government engineers have said the first phase, which focuses on water storage, will be commissioned soon, followed by stages on power generation, treated water supply and irrigation.

However, there have been concerns over water pollution. Reports by the Auditor General and environmental agencies warn that Athi River, which feeds into the dam, carries untreated waste from Nairobi and surrounding towns.

This includes heavy metals and other contaminants that pose risks to human health and agriculture.

Experts have urged the government to prioritise treatment systems to ensure the water is safe for both domestic and farming use.

President Ruto assured residents that the project will not only address chronic water shortages in the region but also spur economic growth.

He said that alongside Thwake, the government has allocated Sh45 billion for affordable housing, fresh produce markets and student hostels across the three(3) Ukambani counties, as well as Sh5.5 billion each for roads and electricity connections.

“It is not right or fair for any part to remain behind. We are one nation, one people with a common destiny,” he said.

On education, the President highlighted increased government investment in Competency-Based Education and Training, technical colleges and higher learning institutions.

He said Eastern Kenya Integrated College, which has applied for a Letter of Interim Authority to offer degree courses, will be guided through the process by the Ministry of Education.

The President also pointed to other development projects in the region, including the Sh800 million construction of Kitui Stadium, the venue for this year’s Mashujaa Day on October 20, 2025, and major road upgrades around Kitui town.

Leaders present at the event included Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, who urged the region to rally behind the government, saying President Ruto had made difficult, but necessary decisions that had stabilised the economy.