Ruto Unveils Strategy to Convert Coastal Region into Agricultural Powerhouse

President William Ruto's recent tour of Lamu and Tana River counties saw the unveiling of a government initiative aimed at boosting local food production through commercial rice and sugarcane cultivation.

The move seeks to transform the region into a major food basket and reduce the nation's reliance on imported commodities. During the visit, which included the launch of several key projects, President Ruto was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho (Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs) and Eric Muriithi (Water and Irrigation), along with Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana.

A significant component of the tour involved addressing longstanding land issues through the issuance of title deeds to local residents. Further addressing issues of equality, President Ruto has announced a gazette notice designed to eliminate vetting and discrimination in the issuance of national identity cards, stating, "We want everybody to be served equally. I will protect the rights of every Kenyan."

A key infrastructural highlight is the commissioning of the Korakora-Nanighi gravity canal in Tana River County. This Sh3.5 billion project replaces a diesel-run system and is projected to significantly expand the area under irrigation from 6,000 acres to 25,000 acres. According to President Ruto, the expansion, with 70 percent of the funds coming from the government, will not only enhance food production but also reduce operational costs, enabling the region to provide relief food.

In a longer-term initiative to combat drought, President Ruto pledges the construction of a dam in Tana River County. In Lamu County, his administration has initiated the construction of affordable housing units in Mokowe, accompanied by a Sh600 million allocation to connect 13,000 households to the electricity grid. Cabinet Secretary Joho emphasizes the unifying nature of President Ruto's commitment and urges citizens to support the government's agenda, noting that unity would create equal opportunity for leadership from any part of the country.