President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to uphold national unity before and after elections, stressing that political contests should never divide the country or be treated as a matter of life and death.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Friday during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Bungoma County led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, the President reminded Kenyans that the country belongs to all its citizens regardless of political affiliation.
Ruto urged leaders to reject ethnic politics and instead focus on delivering meaningful development, saying they will ultimately be judged by the impact they make on the lives of the people they serve. He emphasized that improving livelihoods and accelerating national development should remain the primary goal of every elected leader.
The President said Kenya’s transformation depends on sustained investment in development programmes and encouraged citizens to support leaders with practical plans for the country’s future rather than those promoting divisive politics. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every region benefits equally from national development.
Highlighting ongoing investments in Bungoma County, Ruto said the government has committed KSh30 billion to affordable housing projects, including an 18,000-unit smart city in Bungoma town, as well as the construction of 15 modern markets and student hostels.
He further announced that KSh8 billion has been secured for the construction of a Level 6 hospital in Bungoma to improve access to quality healthcare. In addition, the President said the Rironi–Mau Summit highway will be extended through Eldoret, Bungoma and the Malaba border, a move expected to enhance transport and boost economic activity in western Kenya.
On agriculture, Ruto said reforms in the sugar sector have improved the welfare of farmers by ensuring timely payments to cane growers and factory workers.
The President also defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), revealing that more than 32 million Kenyans have already been registered under the scheme. He said the programme is helping families access affordable healthcare, with many patients across the country benefiting from medical bills covered by SHA.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa praised the government’s development agenda, saying residents of Bungoma have witnessed significant progress. He also argued that SHA is delivering better healthcare services than the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Representing professionals in the delegation, Dr. Flora Fedha said the ongoing construction of the Rironi–Mau Summit road, which the team observed while travelling to Nairobi, reflects the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and driving national development.
