Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika Speaking during a women empowerment programme at Malivani in Wote, Makueni County on June 28, 2026. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, has urged the people of Ukambani to support President William Ruto’s administration, arguing that the region cannot afford to remain outside government if it hopes to overcome poverty and accelerate development.
Speaking during a women empowerment programme at Malivani in Wote, Makueni County, Mbaika said the Kenya Kwanza administration had initiated development projects across the country, including major investments in Makueni County.
She pointed to ongoing government projects in Wote, including the affordable housing programme and the construction of a modern market valued at more than Sh300 million.
“The people of Ukambani, this is our time,” she said. “There is no county in Kenya where you cannot identify the work of President William Ruto’s government.”
According to the Principal Secretary, the new market facility will provide a dignified working environment for small-scale traders, particularly women, while creating economic opportunities for local residents.
Mbaika noted that poverty levels in the Ukambani region remain high and called on residents to embrace leaders who work closely with the national government.
“Our region continues to face high levels of poverty and we cannot afford to remain outside government,” she said, adding that leaders aligned to the national administration stand a better chance of delivering development projects to their constituencies.
The PS, who has so far declared her intention to vie for the Kaiti parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, said her decision to support President Ruto was informed by the desire to secure more development for the constituency.
“I want to be in government because that is where I can bring meaningful progress to the people,” she said. “There is no need to win an elective seat and remain outside government because such leaders become limited in what they can achieve.”
Mbaika expressed confidence that President Ruto would secure a second term in office in 2027, saying the administration had already implemented visible projects and programmes across the country.
She also praised the President for promoting women leadership, citing her appointment as Principal Secretary and the nomination of women leaders under the ruling party.
The PS called on women to remain truthful and united while supporting leaders who champion their empowerment and inclusion in governance.
The women empowerment event brought together local leaders, residents and women groups from different parts of Makueni County, with participants emphasizing the need for increased economic opportunities and government support for grassroots development initiatives.
