President William Ruto used his first of the four day tour of South Rift to woe locals to register as voters in readiness for 2027 election.
Ruto said more than 1 million eligible voters in the entire Rift Valley are yet to register.
The president who presided over launch of various development projects said people who are yet to register are a let down and will force him to put extract effort to woe support from outside the region.
“There are more than 1 million people who are yet to register in Rift Valley. I want to appeal to all of you to help me ensure that all our neighbors are registered before 2027,” he said.
Ruto said there was no excuse for those who have not registered saying the government had waived fees for National Identification cards.
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“The process has been made easy and no one should fear seeking the documents, “ he added.
Gachagua’s Rift Valley influence
President makes forays in the South Rift amidst fear of rebellion from the expansive Kipsigis sub-tribe of the Kalenjin Community.
A section of residents from Kericho, Bomet, Narok and Nakuru had paid a visit to DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua alleging sidelining by Ruto’s administration.
The move prompted the tour of President Ruto in an a parent move to salvage his backyard from a simmering rebellion.
To win back the trust, Ruto landed in Bomet with a bag of goodies.
Also Read: Ruto praises Bomet residents as SHA registration hits 82%
Bomet’s development funds
Addressing wananchi who turned up in large numbers to welcome him and his entourage, President Ruto said Bomet County has been allocated KSh19 billion for the construction of 11 roads covering 380km.
He said the Government has revived all stalled roads across the country, adding that new ones are also being built.
In regard to power connection, he pointed out that KSh2.8 billion has been allocated to connect 25,000 households in Bomet County under the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project.
Additionally, the President said 11 modern markets are being built in the county at a cost of KSh1.7 billion. In the past four years, President Ruto said he has implemented his 2022 campaign pledges up to at least 80 per cent.
“We are fulfilling our promises to the people as we accelerate the transformation of our nation. Across the country, the results speak for themselves,” he said.
On universal healthcare, he commended leaders and residents of for being at the forefront of registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying 701,000 people, representing 82 per cent of the county’s total population, are covered.
Bomet’s is the second highest county in SHA registration behind Mombasa.
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“We have paid hospitals offering SHA services here in Bomet KSh3.2 billion over two years, strengthening access to quality healthcare for the people of Bomet,” he said.
President Ruto also handed over 220 affrordable housing units to owners in Bomet town. He announced that KSh5 billion will be invested in the construction of 2,000 more affordable houses in the town.
The President dismissed critics of various development programmes as “individuals who have nothing new to offer Kenyans”.
“We have implemented many programmes and projects in housing, agriculture, health, education and the economy, ” he said.
He once again told opposition leaders that sloganeering is not enough and urged them to present a clear agenda to Kenyans.
And while addressing wananchi in Bomet town, President Ruto said a KSh1.7 billion water project has been built and is complete.
In December 2026, he explained, another KSh600 million will be used to connect water to various parts of the county and also improve the sewerage system in Bomet town.
Further, he announced that a stadium will be in the county at a cost of KSh1 billion.
In the past four years, he pointed out, his administration has securitised the Sports Fund and thus mobilised the necessary funds to build 32 stadia across the country.
Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome (Lands), Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport) and Aden Duale (Health) accompanied the President.
Others were Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok and several MPs were also present.
Also Read: Isaac Rutto urges Bomet, Kericho residents to warmly welcome Ruto during 4-day tour
Mr Cheruiyot said leaders from the region have intensified their campaign for the re-election of President Ruto, citing development projects as evidence of the Government’s achievements.
Governor Barchok rallied residents in support President Ruto’s bid for a second term.Later, President Ruto commissioned the 300- bed Dr Joyce Laboso Memorial Mother and Child wellness centre.
The new health facility will provide key referral medical services to Bomet residents and Kenyans from the neighbouring counties, and ease pressure on Longisa County Referral Hospital.
