Silverio Omari
President William Ruto hosted Nakuru leaders on Tuesday for a consultative meeting to reassure them of his support and address the aftermath of the recent Finance Bill, 2024.
The bill, which sparked widespread public outcry across the country, led to severe backlash against MPs allied with Kenya Kwanza who supported it, with some facing property losses.
The meeting at State House, Nairobi, brought together all elected leaders from Nakuru County, including Governor Susan Kihika.
Molo MP Kuria Kimani, whose house was burned by protesters following the bill’s passage, also attended. Kimani, who is also the Finance Committee chairperson, said the meeting was convened to discuss key development issues in the county.
“As Nakuru County leaders, we were hosted by the President to discuss key priority development programmes including the construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit road, digital jobs, ICT hubs, and housing,” he said.
Ruto acknowledged the concerns raised by Kenyans, calling for a multi-sectoral forum to chart the way forward. He praised those who supported the bill, calling them true heroes of Kenya. In a brief statement after the meeting, he said he met with leaders to agree on priority projects for the county and align them with the new budget realities.
Ruto announced that the Rironi-Mau Summit road, which will ease traffic between Nairobi and the Western region, will be launched before the end of the year. The revival of the Sh38 billion stalled Itare dam project was also discussed. This project is among the 100 large dams prioritized for construction across the country to address water issues this year.
Due to budget cuts, Ruto announced that some projects would be delayed.
Governor Kihika said their discussions also included the renovation and upgrading of stadiums across the county, Women and Youth Enterprise funds, enhanced security measures, and lifting caveats to foster growth and prosperity in the county.
Ruto plans to meet with leaders from other counties as well.
