Kenya Pledges £95 Million Infrastructure Investment for Previously Marginalised Laikipia County
Nanyuki, 9 May 2026
President Ruto’s Friday visit to Laikipia County marks a significant shift in Kenya’s development strategy, with £95 million committed to transform the historically overlooked region. The ambitious package includes 13 modern markets, mega dams, and 217 kilometres of new roads, addressing decades of marginalisation that left communities behind national progress.
Presidential Commitment to End Regional Marginalisation
During his Friday tour on 7 May 2026, President William Ruto delivered a direct pledge to Laikipia residents that marked a clear departure from past policies [1]. Accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, and local officials including Governor Joshua Irungu, the President declared that “for far too long, Laikipia has been left behind” but committed that “Laikipia County will not be left behind again” [1]. This assurance addresses long-standing grievances about the county’s exclusion from major government development initiatives, with Ruto emphasising that “the era of discrimination and marginalisation is behind us” [1][3].
Comprehensive Infrastructure and Housing Investment Package
The government’s commitment to Laikipia includes substantial financial allocations across multiple sectors. The Affordable Housing Programme alone represents a £11.9 million investment (Ksh 15 billion), which will deliver 13 modern markets alongside housing developments [1][3]. Road infrastructure receives significant attention with £3.2 million (Ksh 4 billion) allocated specifically for the 60-kilometre Nanyuki-Doldol road, with construction set to commence shortly [1]. The broader road development programme encompasses six roads totalling 217 kilometres, with contractors already identified for key routes including the Kinamba-Matuiku and Rumuruti-Mutara-Nanyuki roads [1]. Additionally, the Kenya Defence Forces will construct security roads throughout the county to enhance regional stability [1].
Healthcare and Education Sector Developments
Healthcare infrastructure has received immediate attention through a £1.4 million (Ksh 1.8 billion) allocation to hospitals across Laikipia County [1]. The Social Health Authority programme has demonstrated significant progress, achieving over 60 per cent registration in the county [3], with one source indicating that over 300,000 residents have enrolled under the SHA scheme [8]. Education sector expansion includes plans for the Ministry of Defence to construct five additional schools in Laikipia North, building upon the 15 schools already completed in the region [1][3]. These developments complement the practical support provided during the presidential visit, including the handover of a bus to Kurum Day Secondary School on 7 May [1].
Future Mega Projects and Regional Integration
Looking beyond immediate infrastructure needs, President Ruto announced plans for mega dams to be constructed in Laikipia County through the National Infrastructure Fund [1]. The visit included practical demonstrations of government commitment, with the President laying the foundation stone for the Doldol Huduma Centre in Laikipia North Constituency, which will house an ICT hub and provide 168 government services to residents [1]. During his inspection tour on 7 May, Ruto examined the 955-unit Starehe Affordable Housing Project in Nyahururu Town and assessed progress on the Sipili-Ol Moran road construction [1]. Deputy President Kindiki reinforced the administration’s security achievements, stating that “since President Ruto came into office, he has invested in the security of this region. Today there is peace” [1], highlighting the foundation of stability necessary for sustained development.