Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Hails Ruto’s North Rift Tour, Says Development Focus Will Transform Region

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has praised President William Ruto’s ongoing development tour of the North Rift region, describing it as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, economic transformation and improved service delivery.

Ngetich, of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, said the development projects being undertaken across the country were aimed at addressing poverty, reducing socioeconomic inequalities and promoting equitable distribution of resources.

He cited investments in road infrastructure, electricity connectivity, hospitals, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, modern markets and agricultural subsidies as key pillars of the government’s economic transformation agenda.

According to Ngetich, the projects could help improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities and stimulate private sector-led economic growth while reducing overreliance on government spending.

He also welcomed the government's focus on dams and the rehabilitation of existing water facilities, saying the investments could help transform agricultural activities in the North Rift by reducing dependence on rain-fed farming.

Ngetich said expanding irrigation would increase farmers’ incomes, create self-employment opportunities for young people and promote sustainable agricultural production.

He urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing development initiatives by investing in productive economic activities, adding that infrastructure expansion and improved access to water and electricity could open up new opportunities for businesses and farmers.

The activist further called on leaders across the political divide to put aside their differences and support development initiatives that directly benefit ordinary Kenyans.

He defended the National Infrastructure Fund initiative, saying domestic resource mobilisation could provide an additional avenue for financing major development projects. He argued that Kenya should explore sustainable ways of funding infrastructure while addressing unemployment and economic inequality.

Ngetich also challenged young people to exercise caution when consuming information on social media, warning against misleading claims about development projects.

He urged the President to sustain investments in infrastructure and other development programmes, arguing that their impact should be assessed through project completion, improved public services, job creation and better livelihoods for citizens.

Ngetich expressed optimism that continued investment in rural infrastructure and economic opportunities could accelerate Kenya’s development ambitions, while calling for equitable implementation of projects across all regions.

His remarks come as President Ruto undertakes a development tour of the North Rift, with a series of infrastructure, healthcare, education and electricity projects featuring on the government’s regional development agenda.