Ruto Unveils KSh 70 Billion Factory Plan, Promises Roads and Thousands of Jobs in Ukambani

President William Ruto has announced plans for major road construction projects in Ukambani and revealed that a KSh 70 billion clinker manufacturing plant is among the investments expected to boost employment and economic activity in the region.

The President made the announcements on Sunday, October 25, while addressing worshippers during a church service in Mwingi, Kitui County, as he continued his development tour of the region.

Ruto said several roads requested by residents and local leaders had been incorporated into the government’s development programme, with construction already underway on some routes and additional projects expected to begin soon.

Among the projects he highlighted was the Vonza-Kiusyani road, whose construction has started and is expected to extend towards Chandula. He also announced plans for a road connecting Kandwia, Kyuso and Tseikuru towards Usueni.

Residents of Kibwezi East in Makueni County are also expected to benefit from the planned construction of Machinery Road, which the President said would improve transport and connectivity in the area.

According to Ruto, the road projects are intended to connect rural communities with markets, improve the movement of goods and people, and make essential services more accessible.

KSh 70 billion factory expected to create jobs

The proposed clinker manufacturing plant was another major highlight of the President’s address, with Ruto saying the investment would create employment opportunities for thousands of young people.

He said the project currently supports more than 3,000 workers, adding that approximately 4,000 additional jobs could be created once the plant is completed.

The President said the region had valuable natural resources that could support large-scale industrial investment and generate more economic opportunities for local communities.

“I am coming to launch a major clinker company in this area. God has blessed us with various resources. Now we are here in a place where we can get a clinker plant,” Ruto said.

The proposed investment is expected to strengthen industrial activity in the region, although the full implementation timeline and other project details were not provided in his remarks.

Government eyes more investments in Mui Basin

Ruto also announced that the government was exploring additional investment opportunities around the Mui Basin, an area known for its coal deposits.

He said another major industrial project would be developed in partnership with local leaders and communities, signalling the administration’s intention to expand economic activities beyond road construction.

The President urged political leaders to avoid disagreements that could discourage investors from establishing businesses in the country.

“We must keep petty politics out of our investors and our investment opportunities as a nation,” he said.

Ruto maintained that attracting more investors would help create employment, increase foreign exchange earnings and support the country’s broader economic growth.

Ruto highlights projects in other counties

During his address, the Head of State also pointed to industrial projects in other parts of Kenya as examples of investments intended to generate employment.

He cited a factory in West Pokot, where he said 2,500 young people had secured jobs, alongside projects underway in Taita Taveta and a refinery project in Lamu.

Ruto said his administration would continue working with investors and local leaders to ensure different regions benefited from development programmes and new economic opportunities.

His latest announcements come as the government continues its development tour of Ukambani, covering Kitui, Makueni and Machakos counties, with road infrastructure, electricity, water, housing and industrial investment featuring prominently on the agenda.

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