President William Ruto on Monday commissioned the first phase of the Konza Technopolis in Makueni County, marking what he described as a major milestone towards transforming Kenya into a first-world nation.
The commissioning also signalled the start of a two-week development tour of the Ukambani region, where the President is expected to launch and inspect multi-billion-shilling projects covering roads, housing, electricity, and industrial development.
The first phase of Konza involves infrastructure works to make the smart city investor-ready. These include roads, drainage, water, electricity and data systems, alongside the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and the Open University of Kenya—a fully virtual institution.
Speaking during the ceremony at the Konza Complex, President Ruto said the project was already creating jobs and innovation opportunities for young Kenyans.
“Konza is creating thousands of jobs, internships and innovations. More than 4,000 Kenyans have already been employed here, with 1,000 more expected by mid-2026 and 10,000 projected in light manufacturing alone,” he said. “The average age of Kenya’s workforce here is 28, proof that this is the city of our next generation.”
He said the second phase of Konza would include the construction of 10,000 affordable housing units to attract workers and investors. The event was attended by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior and MPs Thaddeus Nzambia (Kilome), Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West) and John Kiarie (Dagoretti South).
The Head of State used the platform to criticise opposition leaders, accusing them of attempting to derail government development programmes.
“If you are a leader and have a better development plan than ours, tell us. Do not say your agenda is to stop the affordable housing programme. Saying you will destroy what we are doing is pure foolishness,” he said, in remarks widely interpreted as a swipe at Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Political observers say such attacks are likely to dominate the President’s two-week tour of Ukambani, the political stronghold of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka . It is Mr Ruto’s first major development visit to the region, which overwhelmingly backed ODM leader Raila Odinga in the 2022 General Election.
During the visit, the President will commission and inspect key infrastructure projects in Machakos, Kitui and Makueni counties. On Wednesday, he is expected to launch the completion of the Kibwezi–Kitui Road at Migwani Township in Kitui County, followed by the tarmacking of the Zombe–Mwitika and Kangundo–Mwala roads in Kitui and Machakos counties, respectively.
On Friday, the President will commission the Emali–Ukia Road in Makueni County and the Ikutha–Mutha Road in Kitui County before officially reopening the upgraded Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui.
The highlight of the tour will be the Mashujaa Day celebrations to be held at the Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui Town. The government has completed extensive renovations at the venue, constructed a new State Lodge and tarmacked major roads leading to the town. Street lighting has also been upgraded in preparation for the national holiday.
President Ruto’s visit comes amid growing criticism from Mr Musyoka, who has accused the government of sidelining Ukambani in its development agenda.
“Under this regime, Thwake Dam has stalled and the progress of Konza Technocity has been slow,” Mr Musyoka said recently. His comments, however, have drawn strong responses from President Ruto’s allies in the region. Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse dismissed the claims, saying the current administration had delivered more tangible results in Ukambani than past governments.
“All these leaders seeking to lead Kenya held high offices in the past. They had the power to tarmac these roads, but never did. We shall proudly align with President Ruto, who has provided us with key infrastructure within just two and a half years,” he said when unveiling the contractor for the Emali–Ukia Road project.
