Working with Raila allows us to focus on service delivery

President William Ruto has stated that collaborating with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga enables his administration to prioritize service delivery and national unity over political rivalry.

During a development tour of Migori County, Ruto emphasized that his partnership with Raila and the ODM party is centred on putting the interests of Kenyans first, fostering political cohesion, and addressing pressing issues such as the cost of living and youth unemployment.

“Tulikubaliana na Raila Odinga ya kwamba hatutaki siasa ya chuki, ukabila na migawanyiko. Sasa ni wakati wa kuungana na tukiungana si kwa sababu ya mambo ya kibinafsi. Tunaungana ili tuweze kupanga mambo ya maendeleo. Mambo ya siasa itakuja baadaye,” he stated.

President Ruto asserted that opposition leaders would not succeed in dragging the government into a political environment characterised by hatred, division, and tribalism. He expressed his commitment to implementing programmes and projects aimed at transforming the lives of Kenyans and confirmed that he would remain steadfast in this mission.

He called on his critics to propose alternative development plans, arguing that it is unwise to rely on outdated and detrimental political practices.

The President also expressed confidence in Kenyans’ ability to recognise development-oriented leaders as opposed to those who incite hate, division, and tribalism.

“Kenyans want to know what your plan is. Must Go is not enough. Must Go is not an agenda,” he remarked.

These comments were made on the second day of his development tour in Migori County, where he was accompanied by Migori County Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Cabinet Secretaries, and MPs.

He underscored that this is not the time for political manoeuvring but rather for serving the people.

Regarding sugar farming, President Ruto announced that the government is commercialising sugar companies to enhance their operational efficiency.

He explained that this initiative would ensure timely payments for farmers and workers, with growers also set to receive bonuses.

“We will put in place at Sony a management style that has succeeded at Mumias Sugar Company. It pays farmers and workers on time,” he said.

Additionally, the President highlighted the government’s commitment to reforming other crucial areas of the agricultural sector to boost profitability in farming.

He pointed out that the affordable fertiliser programme, which has reduced fertiliser costs, has already resulted in increased agricultural productivity and output.

On education, he noted that the government is enacting bold reforms to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has equal access to learning and opportunities for success.

President Ruto highlighted the recruitment of 76,000 teachers, with an additional 20,000 planned for later this year, alongside the rollout of a new university funding model to support disadvantaged students.

Regarding employment, the President noted that the government is investing in labour-intensive programmes, such as modern markets and affordable housing, aimed at creating job opportunities for the youth.

In addition, the government is establishing digital hubs and facilitating job placements abroad.

On infrastructure, the President stated that the government has allocated sufficient resources to complete 18 roads that had been stalled in Migori County.

He also mentioned that the government is making strategic investments to unlock the potential of Lake Victoria, which possesses significant resources that can generate jobs, enhance food production, and stimulate the region’s economy.

In Rongo, President Ruto inspected the construction of the Riosir Market, which will accommodate more than 300 traders.

He also commissioned St Paul’s Rongo Mixed Day Secondary School.

Later, President Ruto presided over the groundbreaking of the Alara Nyambija Livestock Training Institute in Awendo, which will support livestock farming in the county.

The new institute will be powered by a reliable and affordable electricity supply, serving over 25,000 households in the area.

The President also launched the construction of the Muhuru Bay Pier, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and significantly increasing earnings for local fishermen.

Additionally, President Ruto flagged off the KSh1.9 billion Migori Last Mile Connectivity project, which is set to connect 25,000 households in Migori County by December 2025.

He inspected the construction progress of the Oria modern market in Uriri.