President William Ruto has reaffirmed his government's commitment to accelerating development in Makueni County, announcing multi-billion-shilling investments in housing, roads, water and healthcare. 
By Fredrick Kioko,
President William Ruto on Friday hosted a delegation of grassroots leaders from Makueni County at State House, Nairobi, where he reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring equitable development across the country while outlining multi-billion-shilling investments earmarked for the county.
Addressing the delegation, which was led by Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse, President Ruto said no region would be excluded from the government's development agenda.
"No part of the country will be left behind in our transformation journey," the President said.
He highlighted key infrastructure and economic projects underway in Makueni, noting that the government has committed KSh15 billion towards affordable housing, the construction of 11 modern markets, and hostels for university and college students in the county.
The President further announced that KSh2.7 billion has been allocated for road infrastructure in the current financial year. He said construction of the Emali–Matiliku and Ukia–Kyuasini–Kyaambeke roads is already underway, while work on the Machinery–Kyumani and Wote–Kako roads is expected to begin soon.
To address the region's persistent water shortages and unlock its agricultural potential, President Ruto said the government has secured KSh10.6 billion to complete the long-awaited Thwake Dam, a flagship project located along the Makueni-Kitui border.
In the health sector, the President said the Social Health Authority (SHA) has disbursed KSh2 billion to hospitals in Makueni County, a move he said has enhanced access to quality healthcare services for residents.
The meeting also marked a significant political shift after members of the delegation declared their support for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking on behalf of the group, MP Mwengi Mutuse said Makueni and the wider Ukambani region had for years been held back by divisive politics and pledged to work closely with the national government to accelerate development.
He announced that the leaders had resolved to leave the Wiper Democratic Movement and join UDA, describing the ruling party as a national movement capable of driving inclusive development.
"We have agreed to ditch the Wiper party, a small tribal party, for the UDA, a national political party," Mutuse said.
Makueni senatorial aspirant Andrew Mutava Mulwa said leaders from the region were determined to move away from what he termed "bad politics" and focus on development.
"The people of Makueni have made a decision that they will be in Government," he said.
State Department for Aviation Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika praised the President for initiating development projects across Makueni, while former Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council Chairman Prof. Philip Kyalo Kaloki said residents had embraced working with the national government to fast-track economic growth.
Kaloki said ongoing investments in roads, affordable housing and modern markets demonstrate the government's commitment to improving livelihoods in the county.
"The people of Makueni are after development," he said.
The State House meeting comes amid increasing political realignments in the Ukambani region as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with development emerging as a key campaign issue.
