Residents of Elgeyo Marakwet County have high expectations as President William Ruto prepares to tour the region on Saturday, with the reopening of Fluorspar Mining Company in Kimwarer topping their agenda.

More than 3,000 workers lost their jobs when the company ceased operations five years ago due to a dramatic decline in global fluorspar prices. The closure has left many former employees struggling with poverty.

“Many families displaced to make way for the factory have yet to receive compensation. I hope the President will address these issues during his visit,” said Boaz Balyat, a resident of Simotwo in Keiyo South.

The displaced families are demanding Sh3 million per acre for what they claim is 921 acres of mining land. The fluorspar, which was entirely exported, was transported by road to Flax Trading Centre, then loaded onto train wagons for shipment to Mombasa.

President Ruto will preside over the ninth Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme at Simotwo High School on Saturday, preceded by the Kaptagat Forest Half Marathon on Friday.

Residents hope the presidential tour will unlock regional development, including improvements to the area’s poor road network.

“We want the President’s visit to benefit our people. Many of our youth have graduated from colleges and universities but remain unemployed. We need them empowered to become self-reliant,” said Ruth Chepkok, a women’s leader.

“We voted overwhelmingly for the Kenya Kwanza administration and should enjoy the same benefits as other parts of the country.”

Youth leader Isaiah Chepyego expressed hope that young people’s lives will improve after the President’s tour. He stressed that youth in the boda boda sector should be empowered through cooperative movements to maximise their benefits. Residents also criticised leaders they accused of fuelling 2027 political tensions and engaging in divisive politics for personal gain.

“The President hasn’t even completed his first term and should be given time to fulfil his campaign promises. Kenyans will decide in 2027 whether he delivered,” said Chepyego.

President Ruto’s visit to his North Rift stronghold comes amid mounting criticism of his administration, particularly following the deaths of over 20 people at the hands of security forces during the Saba Saba protests earlier this week.