Ruto Targets 1 Million Votes in Kericho as He Announces Roads, Housing and Hospitals

Ruto urges South Rift residents to register as voters as he unveils Kericho development plans

President William Ruto has urged residents of Kericho and Bomet to obtain national identity cards and register as voters, as he announced major infrastructure, housing, healthcare and economic projects for Kericho County. During his tour of Buret in Kericho, President Ruto called on residents to encourage neighbours, church members and other community members without identification documents to obtain them and register to vote.

He said voter registration was essential for political representation and future development. “The presidential seat is won through votes,” he told residents, setting a target of one million votes from Kericho County.

President Ruto said voting should not be viewed only as support for his administration, but as a way of preparing the country for future leaders. He described elections as a civic responsibility that takes place once every five years.

The President linked the region’s development to the leaders elected by citizens. He cited roads, hospitals, water projects and the proposed elevation of Kericho town to city status as projects that require effective leadership.

He delivered a similar message in Bomet the previous day, urging residents who were not registered to do so. He also said debates about presidential terms would have little meaning without adequate voter participation.

During his Kericho engagements, President Ruto announced a broad development programme for the county. He said disputes over Chelimo land had been resolved, clearing the way for construction of a planned city.

The Government has allocated Sh5.6 billion for 2,200 affordable housing units, with an overall target of 5,000 homes. The President also announced plans for a Special Economic Zone aimed at developing digital skills among young people and enabling them to access employment opportunities in the global market while working from Kericho.

Healthcare and education also featured in the plans. The Government will allocate Sh1 billion to establish a medical school in Kericho, building on existing programmes at Kabianga University. Two referral hospitals are also planned for the county.

On transport infrastructure, President Ruto launched the Sh3 billion Sabunit-Kapkondor/Furaha-Hill Tea Access Road. The project is intended to reduce transport costs for farmers and improve access to schools and health facilities.

He further announced Sh22 billion for the construction of 300 kilometres of new roads in Kericho. He said the Government’s settlement of Sh900 billion in arrears owed to contractors had also enabled stalled national projects to resume.

The South Rift tour combines calls for increased voter registration with announcements of major development projects. In Kericho, the President has set a target of one million votes while outlining plans covering housing, roads, healthcare, education and economic development.

The projects announced during the tour are expected to raise expectations among residents, with their implementation likely to be closely watched as the 2027 General Election approaches.