Ruto Promises Marsabit a Dry Port, Level 6 Hospital and Badasa Dam Funding
President William Ruto hosted grassroots and political leaders from Marsabit County at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, 12, June 2026. Furthermore, the consultative session took place immediately after his return from a week-long investment and trade tour across Europe. Additionally, Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali led the county delegation into the high-level meeting.
Major Development Projects on the Table
Ruto outlined several transformative investments targeting Marsabit’s economic growth. Specifically, the government plans to construct a dry port in Moyale to boost cross-border trade with Ethiopia. Furthermore, a new Level 6 referral hospital will serve the region’s growing healthcare needs.
Additionally, the government will accelerate funding for the Badasa Dam and expand electricity connectivity across the county. Moreover, plans include student hostels, expanded learning institutions, affordable housing units and modern fresh produce markets.
Defending Kenya’s Education Sector
Ruto also used the platform to push back against criticism of his administration’s education reforms. Specifically, he dismissed claims of a crisis in the sector with confidence. Furthermore, he pointed to the historic hiring of 100,000 teachers over three years as proof of the government’s commitment.
Additionally, the 2026/27 budget allocates a record Sh784.5 billion to education. Consequently, Ruto argued that the sector has never been better resourced.
A Direct Challenge to the Opposition
The President also turned his attention to rival political figures during the session. Therefore, he challenged the opposition to present a clear and credible development agenda.
Furthermore, he dismissed criticism from political rivals as noise without substance. Consequently, he urged them to compete on ideas rather than rhetoric ahead of future political contests.
Part of a Broader Grassroots Strategy
This meeting is not a one-off. Specifically, it forms part of a structured county-by-county rollout of grassroots delegations hosted at State House.
Furthermore, the initiative aims to align regional priorities with the national government’s development scorecard. Consequently, more counties are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
