President William Ruto has identified corruption as the primary obstacle to Kenya’s progress, even as he launched key development initiatives in Kitui County.

Speaking during a media engagement at the Kitui State Lodge and at a public event in Mwingi North on November 13, 2025, Ruto stressed that the country’s challenges are not due to a lack of resources but systemic graft that has long hindered growth.

“Kenya has been exploited for many years. It is not because we have no money. It is not because we have no infrastructure. The biggest problem is corruption,” he declared.

Economic gains

Ruto highlighted broader government programmes, including the construction of 230,000 housing units and universal health coverage, as tangible evidence of progress.

“Many people expected Kenya to default on its obligations, right? I made a commitment to this country that Kenya will not default. We have reduced inflation from 9.6 to 4.5. Dollar reserves have gone up to 5.7,” he said.

Stressing the importance of leadership accountability, Ruto urged officials to “match what we say with what we do,” citing ongoing projects like Domasi.

He asserted that Kenya’s economy has stabilised over the past three years despite the drag of corruption.

“Let me give you a final reason why you should believe what I am saying. I told the people of Kenya that I am going to work on the economy. In three years, we have stabilised the economy,” Ruto remarked.

Land ownership and infrastructure milestones

Amid celebrations, Ruto issued 15,000 title deeds to residents of Kamuwongo, Mwingi North, as part of a broader initiative covering Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos counties.

“Issued 15,000 title deeds to residents of Kamuwongo, Mwingi North, Kitui County, in our endeavour to address land ownership challenges across the country, including in Makueni, Kitui and Machakos counties,” he said.

He also lauded outgoing National Land Commission Commissioners for their role in resolving disputes that have historically delayed projects worth over Ksh 500 billion annually.

The President further launched the tarmacking of the 13km Kamuwongo-Kandwia road, linking the Thika-Garissa road at Mwingi town with the Ena-Chiakariga road.

“Also launched the tarmacking of the 13km Kamuwongo-Kandwia road, which is part of the Mwingi-Kamuwongo-Ciangera road. It will link the Thika-Garissa road at Mwingi town with the Ena-Chiakariga road and help improve access to markets for produce from the region,” he said.

Ruto also handed over the Kamuwongo fresh produce market to the Kitui County Government. “Inspected and handed over the Kamuwongo fresh produce market in Mwingi North to the County Government of Kitui,” he noted, adding that it will host over 200 traders and create employment opportunities for youth.