Kenya will no longer export raw materials for processing abroad - Ruto

Instead, the President said the government is pushing for local value addition here at home in order to create jobs and retain more wealth in the country.

He explained that Kenya is moving away from an extractive model in the exploitation of minerals, oil and other resources because the country earns little while foreign companies reap most of the benefits.

“It is now the policy of the Government that Kenya will no longer be exporting raw materials. All our raw materials, including soda ash from Lake Magadi, are going to be added value in Kenya," President Ruto pointed out.

The Head of State made the remarks during a thanksgiving service for Devolution Principal Secretary Michael Lenasalon in South Horr, Samburu County, on Sunday.

At the same time, President Ruto said the Broad-Based Government has fostered national unity and accelerated the implementation of Kenya’s transformation agenda.

The President said the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders were now working together in delivering transformative programmes and projects, including equity and inclusivity.

He said the two parties are cooperating through a structured political partnership aimed at national unity, economic stability, and governance reforms.

"In 2022, we started the journey to eliminate the politics of tribalism, hate and division. In 2027, we are confident that the politics of tribalism will have no room in this country," he said. 

He castigated leaders who thrive on tribalism, hate, and division to achieve their selfish ends, saying they have no place in Kenya's future.

The President said some leaders were opposed to equity and inclusivity in the distribution of national resources and development across the country. 

"We are changing from tribal to issue-based politics where the vision, agenda and plans are key and not mere rhetoric," the President stated. 

The thanksgiving ceremony and church service was attended by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Governors Jonathan Lati Lelelit (Samburu), Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir) and Mohamud Ali (Marsabit), National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and several MPs.

The President noted that KSh4.8 billion has been set aside for the construction and improvement of roads in Samburu County.  

The President singled out Maralal-Baragoi-Moricho- South Horr a major investment being undertaken the Government in Samburu. 

Additionally, he urged parents in Samburu and nationally to ensure they take all their children to school, pointing out that that the government has heavily invested in education to the tune of KSh784 billion this financial year

"National Government Administration officials and village elders should educate parents on the importance of taking their children to school," he said.

Leaders at the function commended the Government for ensuring equal treatment of all Kenyans in national development. 

"The transformation we in Samburu is because of this Government. We want to sincerely thank President Ruto for ensuring equal distribution of resources and development across the country," Governor Lelelit said.

On his part, Mr Mohammed said the ODM party will rally behind the re-election of President Ruto in 2027.

He stated that there are no strong candidates in the opposition to compete with President Ruto, saying they have nothing new to offer Kenyans. 

"Opposition remains caught in a cycle of high- end hotel boardroom meetings and consultative retreats as they struggle to agree on presidential flag bearer for the 2027 elections. Meanwhile, President Ruto is implementing his agenda for Kenyans," he pointed out. 

MPs Naisula Lesuuda (Samburu West), Joseph Lekuton (Laisamis) and Jackson Lekumontare (Samburu East) assured President Ruto that Samburu would rally behind his re-election in 2027.

Ms Lesuuda said: "I want to declare my stand today - I, together with all the leaders in this county, will rally behind President Ruto in 2027 together with all the leaders in this county."

She praised the Government under the leadership of President Ruto for timely disbursement of capitation funds to schools. 

" I am a member of Budget and Appropriation Committee and I must commend the Government for timely disbursement of capitation funda to our schools, " said Lesuuda. 

Former Samburu County Woman Representative Maison Leshoomo said President Ruto has done "more than enough" for the country in just four years compared to previous governments.