Aasai

President William Ruto has revealed that construction of the long-awaited Rironi-Mau Summit Highway will officially begin in August 2025. Speaking at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, June 11, during a meeting with Nakuru County leaders, the President assured that the groundwork for the project—including design and technical preparations—was nearing completion.

“We have finalized discussions with the contractors and agreed to fast-track the project. The goal is to have it completed by 2027. At the very least, they should have achieved significant progress by then,” Ruto said.

The Rironi-Mau Summit Road will include a four-lane highway stretching from Rironi to Naivasha and incorporate the Maai Mahiu–Naivasha section. From Naivasha to Nakuru City, the road will expand into six lanes to accommodate the heavy traffic volume along this crucial economic corridor.

In addition to the road project, President Ruto addressed a number of stalled infrastructure projects within Nakuru County. Notably, he announced that the government has reached a new agreement with the Italian government that will see the resumption of work on the Itare Dam in Kuresoi North by the end of 2025. The dam, once completed, is expected to provide a lasting solution to Nakuru City’s chronic water shortages.

“The Itare Dam project had faced multiple challenges, but we are now back on track. This dam will bring a permanent end to the water crisis in the region,” Ruto said.

To address unfinished roadworks across Nakuru, the government has allocated KSh 2.5 billion. These funds are intended to complete all stalled road projects in the region by December this year. President Ruto emphasized the urgency of this deadline, underlining the governments commitment to timely delivery of infrastructure.

Similarly, another KSh 2.5 billion has been allocated under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme to link 21,000 additional households in Nakuru to the national power grid.

On the stalled Lanet Airport project, Ruto said efforts are underway to resolve a contractual dispute that has delayed its completion. He expressed confidence that the matter will be settled soon, allowing construction to resume.

In matters of sports and public facilities, President Ruto disclosed that the government will complete the renovation of Afraha Stadium with assistance from the military and will also build a new stadium in Olenguruone to support youth sports and talent development.

Turning to economic expansion, Ruto affirmed that plans for the Naivasha Special Economic Zone are progressing steadily. The government has already acquired 5,000 acres of land in Naivasha where infrastructure will be developed to support industrial and commercial investment.

In education, Ruto noted that county governments can now resume disbursement of bursaries, following the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Office of the Controller of Budget. This move is expected to support thousands of needy students across the region.

President Ruto also highlighted the progress made under the Social Health Authority (SHA), revealing that in the past eight months alone, 4.5 million Kenyans have accessed healthcare services through SHA at a cost of KSh 41 billion. However, he noted that Nakuru’s registration rate stands at just 35 per cent and called on leaders to encourage more residents to enroll.

The President further urged leaders to prepare youth for international employment opportunities, noting that over 10,000 Kenyans secure jobs abroad every month. In the past two years, 400,000 young Kenyans have found employment overseas.

“Let us equip our young people with the skills and readiness to work anywhere in the world,” he urged.

On security, Ruto issued a stern directive to police officials in Nakuru to take firm control of the county’s safety. He demanded a crackdown on criminal gangs, stating that all criminals—whether in uniform or civilian clothing—must be dealt with decisively.

“Security is not optional. It is a right that all Kenyans must enjoy. Law enforcement must act firmly and without fear or favour,” he stated.

Among the leaders present at the State House meeting were Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Trade and Investments Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, and other senior government and county officials. The meeting marked a renewed commitment by the national government to fast-track key projects and address pressing needs in Nakuru County.