Ruto Tells Ndindi Nyoro to Focus on Jobs as Dangote’s KPC Investment Sparks Debate

President William Ruto has challenged Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro to focus on the economic benefits of major investments rather than ownership disputes, as controversy continues over the sale of shares in Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).

Speaking on Tuesday, October 27, during the groundbreaking ceremony for a KSh70 billion cement and clinker manufacturing plant in Ngaaie, Mwingi North, Kitui County, Ruto said Kenyans should prioritise investments that create jobs, stimulate businesses and strengthen the economy.

The President’s remarks came amid growing debate over Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s investment in KPC, following the sale of a 24.76 per cent stake valued at approximately KSh42.5 billion to an investor linked to him.

Nyoro has questioned the transaction, raising concerns that the acquisition could pave the way for further share purchases that would give the investor majority control of the strategic pipeline company. He has also sought clarification over shares previously held by public institutions and pension funds.

However, Ruto defended the need to attract long-term investors, arguing that major industrial projects could generate employment and increase economic opportunities for Kenyans.

“When we were doing this, the naysayers were telling us so and so has shares in Guru’s factory, I don’t know whose factory, and whose factory,” Ruto said.

He urged citizens to look beyond ownership questions and consider how investments could benefit the country through industrialisation and job creation.

“It doesn’t matter who creates those opportunities. We must support everybody, every investor who wants to put their money in Kenya,” the President added.

Ruto said the government would continue supporting investors establishing factories to manufacture goods that Kenya currently imports, reducing reliance on foreign products.

He cited a clinker plant in West Pokot that he said was producing 6,000 metric tonnes daily and announced plans to visit another clinker project in Matuga in approximately three weeks.

The President also highlighted the economic potential of Kitui’s limestone deposits, arguing that their value could only be fully realised through local processing.

“The limestone we have here is useless to us until somebody puts up a factory here so that we can create value out of it,” he said.

The Ngaaie project is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and provide additional employment opportunities once operational, placing industrial development at the centre of the government’s economic agenda.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/kitui-cement-groundbreaking-ruto-urges-nyoro-to-focus-on-bigger-picture

NAITIRI_MEDIA feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com