President William Ruto on Tuesday toured Baringo County, where he launched and inspected a series of major infrastructure and development projects aimed at transforming the region’s economy and improving livelihoods.
Accompanied by Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Hannah Cheptumo (Gender and Culture), as well as Members of Parliament, MCAs, and other leaders, the President began his visit in Marigat, where he laid the foundation stone for a 382-unit Affordable Housing Project.
Ruto said the project will elevate Marigat’s status as an emerging urban centre while creating jobs for local youth and boosting the local economy.
The President also inspected the construction of the 100km Marigat–Muchongoi–Karandi–Ng’arua–Muhotetu junction and Muhotetu–Sipili roads, which he said would open up agricultural zones, improve access to markets, and promote tourism in Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, and Kerio Valley.
“These projects will enable farmers to transport their produce more efficiently, attract investment, and grow tourism in this region,” he said.
At Kabarnet, President Ruto inspected the 81km Kasoyo–Riwo–Seretunin–Talai–Kasisit–Kipcherere–Kampi Samaki Road, being undertaken by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority at a cost of KSh207 million.
He revealed that the government has allocated KSh1.4 billion to connect 15,000 households to electricity and reaffirmed that construction of Kabarnet University would begin soon.
“The Ministry of Lands and Housing will also build hostels for the first 1,000 students to ensure the university has the necessary infrastructure to start off,” he added.
The President announced additional projects, including 2,000 affordable housing units in Kabarnet Town and a KSh900 million modern stadium, which will be constructed with assistance from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
In a move aimed at boosting investment, President Ruto directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing to gazette land in Kabarnet for the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to spur industrial and commercial growth.
Meanwhile, CS Murkomen revealed that out of the 602 illegal firearms recovered by security agencies in the Kerio Valley, 120 were from Baringo County, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ending banditry and restoring peace in the region.
“We will not relent on the crackdown on illegal arms. The safety of our people remains our top priority,” Murkomen said.
President Ruto also called for unity among Baringo residents, urging them to embrace collaboration and avoid political divisions.
“We have agreed that we will work together for the benefit of all Kenyans. Division has no place in our country,” he said, emphasizing cooperation with former Baringo Senator and KANU Chairman Gideon Moi.
The President’s visit marks one of the most extensive development tours in the Rift Valley region this year, underscoring his administration’s focus on infrastructure, housing, education, and regional economic integration.
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