President William Ruto has announced a Ksh7.5 billion investment to construct 3,000 housing units in Lamu County, part of the Affordable Housing Programme, to accommodate the anticipated influx of workers and visitors due to the Dangote East Africa Refinery's construction. The initiative, unveiled during a title-deed distribution event in Mokowe on Saturday, aims to ensure residents have
The President emphasized that the housing project is separate from ongoing affordable housing efforts in the county, including modern markets and student hostels funded at Ksh6 billion. He called on the private sector to invest in complementary infrastructure such as shops, hotels, and transport services to support the refinery's development. Ruto also announced the formation of a joint government-county committee to address resident concerns and ensure community interests are prioritized in the project's implementation.
Ruto reiterated his commitment to Lamu's development, stating the county
During the event, the President distributed title deeds to residents of several communities, including Ashuwei, Mvundeni, Rubu, Mwambore, and Simambae, as well as settlements like Shanga/Ishakani and Muhamarani. He warned against fraudulent actors exploiting the process, clarifying that government funds had been used to rectify historical land injustices in the region. Ruto pledged to issue an additional 200,000 title deeds in Lamu before year-end, having already distributed 300,000 across six Coast counties during his week-long tour.
The President's visit included infrastructure announcements such as the Ksh85 million Garsen Community Sports Ground and the Tana River Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project. He also highlighted plans to revive the Bura Irrigation Scheme and upgrade the Lamu-Garissa road from murram to tarmac. Ruto urged unity among Lamu residents, condemning political leaders who he claimed incite ethnic divisions.
Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome (Lands and Housing), Hassan Joho (Mining), and Salim Mvurya (Sports), along with Governors Issa Timamy (Lamu) and Dhadho Godhana (Tana River), attended the events. The President commended ranch owners offering 30,000 acres of land for squatter resettlement, stating the move would empower residents with legal land rights.
Ruto concluded his tour by laying the foundation for Fayya Technical and Vocational College hostels in Bura Constituency. He reiterated his administration's focus on equitable development, stating no region is too small to warrant national attention. The visit underscored the government's dual priorities of infrastructure expansion and addressing historical land grievances in marginalized areas.
The Dangote Refinery, valued at Ksh2.2 trillion, is expected to drive economic growth in Lamu, but its implementation has faced legal challenges. Ruto criticized
The government's housing and land initiatives align with broader efforts to modernize Lamu's infrastructure and attract investment. However, critics argue that the scale of the projects may strain local resources and require careful oversight to ensure benefits reach all communities. The formation of the joint committee signals an attempt to balance development with resident concerns.
Ruto's tour highlighted the administration's emphasis on regional equity, with over Ksh6 billion allocated to housing, markets, and hostels in Lamu. The President's repeated calls for unity and vigilance against political manipulation reflect ongoing challenges in implementing large-scale projects in politically sensitive areas.
The Lamu-Garissa road upgrade, a key component of the region's development plan, was accelerated under Ruto's directive. This infrastructure improvement, alongside the housing and land reforms, aims to position Lamu as a hub for industrial and economic activity, though its long-term impact remains to be seen.