Ruto calls on church to help shape Kenya’s post-2030 development agenda

The President said the contribution of the clergy is paramount in shaping Beyond 2030 conversations, and the application of the National Infrastructure Fund projects across the country. 

"Planning for the future of our country is not the work of Government alone; it belongs to all of us" he said while addressing the African Brotherhood Church (ABC) Women of Faith Congress at Scott Christian University in Machakos Town on Saturday. 

He added: "We want to work together to fight hunger, provide water and education, fight poverty and create wealth for our people. It is all possible if we unite and join hands."

He said the National Infrastructure Fund will lead to the construction of more roads, dams for power generation and irrigation, and the provision of clean water to more Kenyans, including those in the Lower Eastern part of the country.

Present were ABC Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki, Africa Inland Church (AIC) Presiding Bishop Abraham Mulwa, MPs Caleb Mule (Machakos Town), Joshua Mwalyo (Masinga), Vincent Musau Kawaya (Mwala), Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Nominated Senator Beth Syengo.

President Ruto pointed out that the Government will work with ABC in expanding its Eastern Kenya Integrated University, which was recently granted a Letter of Interim Authority to offer university degree courses.

He explained that the Government is building 7,000 student hostels for universities, Kenya Medical Training College centres and technical colleges in the county.

Additionally, 20 modern markets and 11,000 affordable housing units are being built in Machakos County at an investment of KSh35 billion. 

Later, he inspected the progress of Kimutwa modern market in Machakos Town Constituency, assuring residents that it will be completed in the next two months. 

At Makaveti trading centre, the President launched the construction of the 20km Makaveti-Kyangala-Iuni road, which is being constructed at a cost of KSh1 billion to improve access and connectivity in the area.

In total, the President said the Government is completing eight roads that had stalled a building seven new ones across Machakos County totalling over 200km at a cost of KSh10 billion. 

President Ruto said no region of Kenya will be left behind, adding that he will ensure equity across the country. 

On health, the President announced that 820,000 residents of Machakos County have registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), representing 58 per cent of the population. 

He also noted that the Government has paid hospitals KSh3.5 billion for provision of healthcare services in the county since October 2024 proof, he said, that SHA is working. 

"My joy today is the testimonies from villages across Kenya of people who have received treatment and SHA has paid for them. We will keep reminding those who say SHA doesn't work until they stop the lies," he said.

At the same time, President Ruto took a swipe at those misleading Kenyans to oppose or undermine the Government's transformative projects for narrow political or personal reasons.

"Even if you are a puppet or have been paid, please use a bit of intelligence and look for credible reasons for opposing our projects. Do not put yourself to shame over sheer ignorance," he said.

President Ruto said leaders will be measured by their development score card and not the amount of insults or propaganda they spew.

"I urge all leaders to work hard so that when the time comes, citizens will know who has delivered and who revels in insults, violence, ethnicity and hatred," he said.

Pointing out that Kenyans have raised the bar of leadership, he said leaders would be judged according to their track record, plans and vision for the country. 

"Those who seek to divide Kenyans by calling some cousins, traitors and enemies have no place in this country. We need unity. All Kenyans are one people," he explained.

Also at the meeting were United Democratic Alliance (UDA) governor aspirants Nzioka Waita (Machakos) and Philip Kaloki (Makueni), Principal Secretaries and MCAs, among others.