President William Ruto has begun a five-day tour of the Coast region shortly after returning from an official visit to Kazakhstan, with the government outlining a series of development projects set to be launched across the six coastal counties.
According to State House, the visit, which commenced on Thursday, May 21, will mainly focus on infrastructure expansion, electricity connectivity, housing programmes and economic empowerment initiatives targeting communities in the region.
A major item on the President’s agenda is the rollout of a land ownership programme aimed at fast-tracking the issuance of title deeds to residents in Mombasa and other counties along the Coast.
State House said the move is intended to address historical land ownership challenges that have affected thousands of families for decades.
“The tour will focus on the inspection, commissioning and launch of infrastructure, electricity and housing projects across the six coastal counties,” State House said in a statement.
While in Mombasa County, President Ruto is expected to assess the progress of the Nyali Affordable Housing project before heading to Kilifi County, where he will officially open the Mariakani Power Sub-Station in Kaloleni Constituency.
He is also scheduled to unveil several rural electricity connection projects in Malindi, Ganze, Mariakani and Mjanaheri.
The Head of State will further preside over the groundbreaking of the Tezo–Kakanjuni road in Kilifi North and oversee plans for the rehabilitation of the Mjanaheri–Ngomeni road in Magarini Constituency.
In efforts aimed at improving local trade and economic growth, the President is also expected to officiate the construction of markets in Kaloleni and Ganze and launch the proposed Kilifi Stadium project.
Fishing groups in Malindi are set to receive boats as part of government plans to strengthen the blue economy sector.
The tour will later move to Tana River County, where President Ruto is expected to launch the construction of the Garsen Teachers Training College and officiate the start of the Minjila Affordable Housing project.
In Lamu County, the President is scheduled to commission the Kizingitini Fish Market in Lamu East, inspect works at the Hindi Modern Market in Lamu West and launch the construction of the A7 Junction Safirisi–Ndeu road.
He will conclude part of the visit in Kwale County, where he is expected to launch electricity connectivity projects in Kinango, Lunga Lunga and Diani, commission the Diani Modern Market and preside over the groundbreaking of student hostels at Lunga Lunga Technical and Vocational College.
The President’s tour comes at a time when sections of Kenyans and political leaders have continued to question government expenditure, especially regarding recent presidential travel arrangements to involving chartered and military aircraft amid the high cost of living.
