President William Ruto has dismissed opposition criticism of his development agenda, claiming that political adversaries are unintentionally amplifying his projects' visibility. Speaking in Wundanyi, Taita-Taveta County, on September 26, the Kenyan leader stated, "Opposition is saying 'Ruto is being used to build roads to my area.' That is true, I will build all roads and God is helping me." Ruto framed the opposition's critiques as validation of his administration's achievements, arguing that their campaigns "give my projects free publicity."
Ruto's remarks came as he initiated a development tour of the Coast region, focusing on infrastructure, land ownership, and education. The visit followed his acknowledgment of infrastructure shortcomings after inspecting a poorly maintained road in Wundanyi. "Salala! Balaa kubwa," he exclaimed, vowing to address the issue. The president also pledged to resolve long-standing land tenure challenges in Taita-Taveta by distributing 20,000 title deeds to residents, emphasizing that "we cannot live in our ancestral land as squatters."
The government's land reform initiative, part of a broader effort to issue 500,000 ownership documents across the Coast region, includes 31,318 deeds earmarked for Mwatate and Voi constituencies. Ruto reiterated his commitment to improving living conditions, stating, "This week I will give out 20,000 title deeds... and after a short time, before the election, I will return to give those who had missed title."
In addition to land reforms, the president laid the foundation stone for a Sh145 million, 340-bed hostel at Wumingu Technical and Vocational College. The project, part of the Affordable Housing Programme, aims to alleviate student accommodation shortages. Ruto announced a Sh2 billion investment in Taita-Taveta to construct hostels for 5,000 students across universities, technical colleges, and Kenya Medical Training College facilities. The plan also includes tarring the Wundanyi-Wumingu TVC road and upgrading water and electricity supply to the institution and surrounding communities.
Ruto addressed teachers' demands for a hardship allowance, citing the region's challenging terrain. "I have arrived here and seen that indeed there is a hardship in this region," he said, vowing to "follow up on the issue." The president's visit coincided with political preparations for the 2027 General Election, during which development projects have become central to campaign messaging.
The Coast tour, spanning Taita-Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River, and Lamu, includes inspections of ongoing projects and community engagements. Ruto has intensified criticism of the opposition, urging leaders to present alternative policies rather than focusing on his administration. "I will continue implementing roads and other development projects across the country," he stated, emphasizing his resolve to complete initiatives before the end of his first term.
The president's statements reflect broader tensions over infrastructure allocation and political messaging. While opposition leaders have accused his government of concentrating resources in regions linked to his political base, Ruto maintains that development efforts are nationwide. His administration's emphasis on land reform and education infrastructure underscores its strategy to bolster support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Wundanyi visit highlighted both the challenges and ambitions of Ruto's development agenda. By addressing infrastructure gaps and land tenure issues, the government seeks to balance criticism with tangible progress. However, the opposition's focus on regional disparities may continue to shape electoral dynamics in the coming years.
Ruto's tour also included commitments to improve educational access, with the Wumingu TVC hostel project aiming to accommodate students from technical and higher education institutions. The government's investment in infrastructure, including road tarring and utility upgrades, reflects its dual focus on economic development and public service delivery.
As political parties position themselves for the 2027 election, Ruto's administration is leveraging development projects to reinforce its narrative. The president's emphasis on "free publicity" from opposition critiques underscores his confidence in the visibility of his initiatives, even as critics question the distribution of resources.
The ongoing land reform program, coupled with education and infrastructure investments, positions Ruto's government to address key public concerns. However, the success of these efforts will depend on effective implementation and the ability to mitigate regional disparities that continue to fuel political debates.