Major projects launched by Ruto in 2024

President William Ruto launching the affordable housing project. FILE

As the year comes to an end, President William Ruto's administration has marked significant infrastructural developments and strategic initiatives aimed at economic growth and improved living standards.

The government stated that priority would be given to completing all ongoing projects since most of the contracts were awarded before the current regime took over.

Here is an overview of key projects unveiled by the President in 2024, along with their unveiling dates and expected impacts.

 Affordable Housing Programme

On January 10, 2024, President Ruto launched the construction of 10,000 Bondeni affordable housing units in Nakuru.

Ruto said the project had benefited the residents, including creating employment for the youth, and looks forward to another ground-breaking construction of houses within the county. 

"I want to construct 10,000 more houses in this county, so that the youth can get employment and those that don't have houses, to secure one."

On November 21, 2024, the government announced that 4,888 housing units are nearing completion and ready for allocation across 17 counties

The housing project is part of the government’s commitment to address Kenya's housing deficit, creating jobs and providing low-cost homes to Kenyans. The initiative aligns with the administration's agenda to deliver 200,000 housing units annually.

Social Health Authority (SHA)

The government officially launched the Social Health Authority (SHA) on October 1, 2024.

This initiative aims to expand access to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa emphasised the SHA’s goal of ensuring all Kenyans, regardless of economic status, can access free primary healthcare and specialized treatment for chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.

The SHA is designed to provide emergency services, free healthcare at dispensaries, and advanced care at specialised centres, reducing the need for costly overseas treatment.

So far, over 13 million Kenyans have registered, with public and private healthcare facilities integrating into the programme.

Despite these advancements, the project has faced challenges, including funding gaps and public skepticism.

The government had allocated Sh6.1 billion to SHA since it was first rolled out, but this was only a fraction of the Sh168 billion needed for full implementation.

In addition to launching the SHA, the government also partnered with Safaricom to digitalise healthcare services, which is aimed at enhancing efficiency and data management.

Barasa acknowledged the funding challenges but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving healthcare services.

Lamu-Garissa-Isiolo Road (LAPSSET Corridor)

The President launched the development of key road networks under the LAPSSET Corridor project.

The Lamu Port-Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport – or Lapsset – corridor is the flagship project of Kenya’s Vision 2030 development agenda. 

The LAPPSET corridor programme is East Africa's Largest infrastructure project bringing together Kenya, Ethiopia and Southern Sudan.

The construction comprises a 257 km Lamu-Ijara-Garissa section, which is part of the Lapsset project.

It also consists of seven key infrastructure projects starting with the new 32 Berth port at Lamu, Interregional Highways from Lamu, Garissa, Isiolo, Moyale, Addis Ababa and Juba.

An interregional Standard Gauge Railway, three international Airports and three resort cities are part of the project commissioned by the Late President Mwai Kibaki in 2012.

The then Roads Transport and Public Works Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed on May 2024 that the Lamu-Garissa Highway will be completed by February 2025.

The Lamu-Garissa –Isiolo road is a crucial off-take route for the LAPSSET Project, connecting Lamu Port to Ethiopia and South Sudan as well as hinterland markets along the LAPSSET Corridor Counties.

He further stated that the Government is keen to ensure the completion of the 257km road section in Lamu as it provides a gateway to the LAPSSET corridor and provides connectivity to other parts of Kenya through a future railway and highway.

 This initiative aims to integrate regional trade and improve connectivity between Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, reinforcing Kenya's role as a logistics hub in East Africa.

 Rural Road Network Upgrades

A significant milestone was achieved on June 12, 2024, when President Ruto unveiled a rural roads improvement programme funded in part by Chinese partnerships.

During his visit to China for the seventh Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in September 2024, Ruto took advantage of the visit to unlock funding for major infrastructure projects in the country.

Kenya and China agreed to fund rural road construction in the country.

President Ruto expressed gratitude to China for its KSh 34 billion support towards the project that will see the roads serve 70 per cent of Kenya's population.

The programme focuses on constructing and upgrading roads in underserved areas, facilitating the movement of goods and services while improving market access for farmers.

Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Extension

The President also announced that China and Kenya had agreed on the funding to extend the SGR from Naivasha to Uganda.

The funding will also extend the SGR to Rwanda, DR Congo, and Congo Brazzaville to enhance regional connectivity.