Nambale MP Aspirant Kevin Okwara Warns Ruto: ‘Kenyans Need More Than Roads and Buildings’

Nambale MP aspirant and Linda Mwananchi movement supporter Kevin Okwara has criticised the government’s approach to development, arguing that infrastructure projects alone are not enough to convince Kenyans that the country is moving in the right direction.

Okwara used the analogy of a father who provides his family with everything materially but remains emotionally absent, saying the situation mirrors what he described as a growing disconnect between President William Ruto’s government and a significant number of Kenyans.

His remarks come amid a TIFA survey indicating that 76 per cent of Kenyans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, while only 15 per cent believe Kenya is moving in the right direction.

Okwara acknowledged government investments in roads, markets, schools, hospitals, stadiums and other infrastructure but said citizens ultimately judge development by how it affects their daily lives.

He noted that a new road does not automatically solve the challenges of a mother struggling to afford food, while a hospital may still fall short if medicines are unavailable.

He also pointed to unemployment, high living costs, school fees, rent, electricity bills and taxation as issues shaping how Kenyans perceive the government.

According to Okwara, the key challenge is bridging the gap between government achievements and citizens’ lived experiences.

“Government sees projects. Citizens see their daily lives,” Okwara said, arguing that development should ultimately translate into dignity, income, opportunity, security and hope.

He challenged the government to look beyond the number of projects completed and ask whether ordinary Kenyans feel that the government is present in their everyday struggles.

His comments are likely to fuel debate over whether Kenya’s development agenda is sufficiently addressing the economic pressures facing households ahead of the 2027 General Election.