President William Ruto leads the ground breaking ceremony of Talanta Sports City Stadium at Lang’ata Constituency in Nairobi County on March 1, 2023.
President William Ruto has turned to the military to help complete stalled projects, a contradiction to his past criticism of the previous administration’s deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in such ventures.
Just like his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, President Ruto is now engaging the military to fast track projects he deems essential and to curb wastage of taxpayers' funds.
Some stadiums, projects in healthcare, education and other vital infrastructure are now in the hands of KDF.
The military is overseeing the construction of Nairobi's Talanta Sports City project earmarked to host the African Nations Championships 2025.
Ongoing construction of Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi on this photo taken on January 23, 2025
The upgrading of Kasarani, Nyayo and Kipchoge Keino stadiums is also under the supervision of KDF as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Afcon alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
During his recent tour of the Mt Kenya region, President Ruto handed over at least three key projects to the KDF.
In Nyandarua, Nyeri and Laikipia counties, the military is now in charge of stalled works, some of which have dragged on for years.
These include the Ol Kalou Stadium and the Sh1.5 billion Ol Kalou Mashujaa Hospital Complex in Nyandarua County, as well as the delayed Ruring’u Stadium in Nyeri.
A section of the dais of the Ruring’u Stadium, which has been under construction since 2017. The stadium is barely 40 percent complete, and the track has never been used.
To ensure timely completion, Defence Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru said technical teams from KDF will remain on the ground for the duration of the works.
“The KDF will oversee the critical projects until completion. The Ol Kalou stadium for instance holds great promise, not just for sports enthusiasts but for the youth in the region. It will provide a platform for talent to shine, strengthen community bonds and contribute to the overall physical and mental well-being of Nyandarua residents,”said PS Mariru.
“Healthcare is also one of the Kenya Kwanza administration's top priorities.The expansion of the Ol Kalou Mashujaa Hospital Complex will enhance access to specialised medical care and broaden treatment options for Nyandarua residents,” added Dr Mariru.
He spoke on April 30, a day before the start if the Head of State's visit to Mt Kenya region.
After the national government failed to honour a Sh500 million pledge for the hospital over the years, the KDF has now been tasked with completing it within one year.
In neighbouring Nyeri County, President Ruto handed over the Ruring’u Stadium project to the KDF after it stalled for more than seven years.
“I have told the KDF together with the Ministry of Sports that the project must be completed within one year.I want to come and open it after one year,”said President Ruto.
The project’s revival has raised hopes although the redesigned facility is now projected to cost Sh800 million up from the earlier Sh480 million.
Despite Ruto’s directive, there’s no specific budgetary allocation yet to the Defence Ministry for these undertakings.
Dr Mariru maintained that as Commander-in-Chief, the President has discretion in such matters.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is received by then Defence CS Aden Duale (Now Health CS) at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
“I do not want to anticipate a debate on budgetary allocation to the Defence Ministry or KDF in support of the KDF-supported development projects. The President is the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, we are following his directives, the budget making and allocation directives will be handled by relevant organs guided by the President himself,” said the Defence PS.
The fate of contractors and employees previously involved in the projects remains unclear.
President Ruto’s move has sparked renewed debate considering his past vocal opposition to former President Kenyatta’s deployment of the military in similar fashion.
While there is nothing wrong with deploying the military to work on development projects, it is the supposed double standards that have raised eyebrows.
“President Ruto comes out as a master of double speak. The Head of State and his allies criticised former President Uhuru Kenyatta saying he was militarising the State. Now he is the one deploying the military to oversee various development projects across the country. This is hypocritical,”said lawyer and political analyst Steve Kabita. “Apart from development projects,the president has recently appointed Mo's retired senior military generals to key ambassadorial posts,”added Mr Kabita.
But others support the military’s involvement.
“KDF is known to take a hands-on approach of projects. During the previous regime the KDF worked with the National Youth Service is various projects including the revamping of the Nairobi -Kisumu,Thika-Nanyuki and Gilgil- Laikipia metre gauge railways. They are very effective,” said governance expert David Ngugi.
“If all of us operated and behaved, loved and served their country like the military, Kenya would be a great country. The involvement of KDF in infrastructure projects has saved the country billions of shillings in the past. For instance,the country saved billions by having the Kenya Navy repair the damaged Lake Victoria Cargo Vessel MV Uhuru and the refurbishment of Port Victoria,which cost the military Sh250 million instead of Sh 1.8billion quoted by private contractors,” added Mr Ngugi.
Last week, President Ruto opened newly rehabilitated classrooms at Ngarachi Comprehensive School in Laikipia County, a KDF project in collaboration with private partners.
The school is part of a broader rehabilitation program in Laikipia County under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU), which also includes nine other schools, many previously affected by insecurity.
Kenya Defense Forces lorries carrying construction materials at Cheptulel Boys High School in West Pokot County on April 18, 2024.
KDF has also been instrumental in restoring schools and infrastructure in Baringo, West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet, regions heavily impacted by banditry.
In Nairobi, President Ruto last month launched a multi-agency project for the regeneration of the Nairobi Rivers Basin.
It includes social housing, walkways, cycle lanes, a new sewer line, wastewater treatment plants, pedestrian bridges and landscaping along the riverbanks,all to be overseen by KDF.
The Ministry of Defence has played a key role in designing the project and will lead its execution and management.
A multi-agency team, including the Nairobi Rivers Commission, the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, Nairobi County Government, Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Ltd, and Energy China will collaborate on its implementation.
EMatara@ke.nationmedia.com, waikwamaina@yahoo.com.
