Ruto meets Nakuru leaders over priority projects amid withdrawal of Finance Bill

President William Ruto on Tuesday hosted leaders from Nakuru for a consultative meeting as he sought to reassure them of his support and address the aftermath of the recent Finance Bill, 2024.

The bill, which sparked widespread public outcry across the country led to severe backlash against the MPs allied to Kenya Kwanza who supported it with some facing property losses.

The meeting held at State House, Nairobi brought together all elected leaders from the county including Governor Susan Kihika.

Molo MP Kuria Kimani whose house was burnt by the protesters on a day violence erupted across the country following the passing of the Bill was also present.

Kimani who doubles up as the Finance committee chairperson said the meeting was convened to discuss key development issues at the county.

“As Nakuru County leaders, we were hosted by President to discuss key priority development programmes including the construction of Rironi-Mau Summit road, digital jobs, ICT hubs, and housing,” he said.

Ruto was forced to withdraw support for the bill acknowledging the concerns raised by Kenyans as he called for a multi-sectoral forum to chart the way forward.

He lauded those who voted in favor of the bill terming them true heroes of Kenya.

In a brief statement after the meeting, the head of state said he met leaders to agree on the priority projects at the county and align them with the new budget realities.

Ruto said the Rironi-Mau summit road which is set to help ease traffic between Nairobi and Western region, will be launched before end of the year.

The revival of the Sh38 billion stalled Itare dam project was also part of the discussion during the meeting.

It is among the 100 large dams that had been prioritised for construction across the country as part of the plans to address the water problem in the country this year.

Following the budget cuts, Ruto has announced that some projects would be delayed.

Kihika on her part said their discussions also centered on the renovation and upgrading of stadiums across the county, Women and Youth Enterprise funds, enhanced security measures, and the lifting of caveats to foster a conducive environment for growth and prosperity in our county.

Ruto is also planning to meet leaders from other counties.