What You Need to Know
President William Ruto has affirmed his administration’s readiness to face political opponents while advancing development projects, including the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway. He emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming Kenya and enhancing infrastructure, urging youth participation in upcoming elections through the ‘tuko kadi’ initiative.
Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has sent a strong political message to his opponents, declaring that his administration is ready for any contest as the government pushes ahead with development projects across the country.
Speaking during the launch of Phase 2C of the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kisumu, the President said ongoing infrastructure projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to transforming Kenya and delivering on its development agenda.
He also took a swipe at his critics, saying the government’s track record in infrastructure development speaks for itself and even those opposed to his administration now acknowledge the progress being made.
“Tunawatangazia wale ambao wanataka kushindana na sisi ya kwamba miradi yetu ya maendeleo inaendelea, Kenya tunaitransform na nataka niwaambie tuko kadi na tuko tayari. Kama mnataka hiyo tuko kadi na tayari, we are ready for you when the time comes,” Ruto said.
(We are sending a message to those who want to compete with us that our development projects are continuing. We are transforming Kenya, and I want to tell you that we are ready and fully prepared.)
His comments come amid the growing use of the “tuko kadi” slogan, which has largely been associated with a Gen Z-led mass voter registration drive targeting youth participation in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The slogan has been widely used in campaigns encouraging young people to register as voters in large numbers to elect leaders they believe can bring change.
The initiative, spearheaded by photojournalist and activist Ademba Allans, has brought together young people in a coordinated effort to boost voter turnout and civic participation among the youth.
Ruto, however, emphasised that his administration remains focused on development and transformation, citing several major infrastructure projects currently underway across the country.
“As has been acknowledged even by those who don’t agree with us, the railway is now underway, Mau Summit Road and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will shortly be underway,” he said.
“We have concluded the building of Talanta (Stadium), and we are on course building a new modern conference facility at Bomas of Kenya. Even the naysayers who said nothing was happening today confess that Kenya is undergoing transformation.”
The President maintained that the government’s development agenda is visible across various sectors, including transport, sports infrastructure, and conference facilities, adding that these projects are meant to improve the country’s competitiveness and economic growth.
He also pledged to continue visiting the Nyanza region to oversee development initiatives and ensure the region benefits from ongoing national projects.
Ruto noted that his administration is committed to inclusive development across all regions, stressing that infrastructure expansion such as the Kisumu–Malaba SGR will open up economic opportunities and strengthen regional integration.
President Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni on Saturday flagged off the construction of the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional transport and trade connectivity.
Kenya has seen significant infrastructure development in recent years, particularly under President Ruto’s administration. The launch of projects like the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway aims to improve transport and trade connectivity in the region. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance economic growth and regional integration, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, where youth engagement is increasingly prioritized through various campaigns and initiatives.
