President William Ruto is set to visit Kilifi county on Friday to oversee several development projects.
This visit marks his first trip to the Coast region since the nationwide anti-government protests started on June 18.
Ruto will begin his tour by laying a foundation stone for the Watamu modern market, a much-anticipated project expected to boost local commerce and provide a modern trading space for residents.
It is the first of its kind under the affordable housing and markets programme in the region.
The market, which is being implemented under the Economic Stimulus Plan will cost Sh50 million.
Affordable Housing and Markets Coast regional lead John Karanja said similar markets will be constructed in Ganze, Kilifi South, Kilifi North and Kaloleni.
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, who will host the President, said the modern market will have 200 stalls, a social hall on the roof top, an ICT hub, a breastfeeding hub, two meeting rooms, a salon and ICT shops.
“The new market aims to enhance the economic infrastructure of Watamu, a popular tourist destination,” he said.
Ruto will later commission the Kakuyuni water reservoirs and Baricho water works boreholes in Malindi.
The Second Baricho/Kakuyuni Pipeline and the new Kakuyuni reservoir is expected to take care of an additional 28,000 cubic metres per day of water at Baricho plant.
The pipeline will serve Malindi, Kilifi and Gongoni.
The project is crucial for the county, as it aims to address the long-standing water scarcity.
By improving access to clean water, the project is expected to enhance the quality of life and health standards for the local communities.
To wrap up the Kilifi visit, the President will launch the last mile project in Bamba town.
The electricity connectivity project is funded by the Japan International Corporation Agency and it will be implemented in Kilifi, Kwale, Nakuru and Nyandarua counties.
“This project is part of the government's broader agenda to ensure rural electrification and improve energy access in remote areas. The initiative is poised to facilitate economic activities, improve education and enhance the overall living standards for the residents of Ganze,” Ganze MP Kenneth Kazungu said.
Ruto’s visit comes at a critical time, as it follows weeks of nationwide protests against the government.
Kenyans expressed their discontent with the Finance Bill, 2024, corruption and governance challenges.
The visit comes days after announcing his Cabinet nominees. The county, however, did not get any Cabinet nominee.
President Ruto’s engagement in Kilifi is seen as an effort to reconnect with the coastal communities and reaffirm the government's commitment to regional development.