President William Ruto has promised residents of Griftu in Wajir County that the government will transform the area from a small settlement into a modern town through new road works and wider development projects.

Speaking on Sunday, May 31, 2026, during a visit to the area, the president said the government has already set aside close to Ksh1 billion to build and upgrade roads in Griftu.

“Hii Griftu tumewapatia pesa karibu billioni moja ya kutengeneza hii barabara yenu hapa,” Ruto told residents.

He said the current state of the town does not match its potential and promised a clear change in its appearance and function.

“Hii town, si hii inakaa kama kijiji kidogo? Sasa hii tutabadilisha ikae kama town,” he said.

Ruto added that the government will lay tarmac roads across the town to improve transport and reduce the problems caused by dust and mud, especially during bad weather.

“Eeh bwana! Hapa tuweke lami mingi ikae chonjo. Muwache kusumbuliwa na vumbi hapa na matope,” he said.

The President linked the project to his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), saying development must begin from the lowest levels and reach communities that have been left behind.

“Ama namna gani, si tulikubaliana bottom up? Eeh wale wako chini tuwainue jameni ndio tutembee sisi wote pamoja,” he added.

Projects in Wajir

His remarks came during a wider working tour of Wajir County, where the government has announced several development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and services.

According to government data, 7.5 kilometres of urban roads have already been completed in Wajir, improving movement within towns and opening up business activity.

The government is also building a 10,000-capacity stadium in Wajir. The facility will host this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations and is expected to support sports development and local trade.

In housing, the Affordable Housing Programme is delivering 220 units across 11 blocks in the county. The project includes one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and studio apartments. Officials say the construction has created more than 200 jobs, including opportunities for women.

During the same visit, Ruto also pledged Ksh50 million to upgrade Habaswein Boys Secondary School into a national school. The funds will support the expansion of facilities and improvement of learning conditions, following a request by Wajir South MP Mohammed Adow.

Residents of Griftu welcomed the road promise, saying poor roads have long affected daily life and business. Many said dust during dry seasons and mud during rains had made movement difficult for years.

If implemented, the new road network is expected to ease transport, support trade, and connect Griftu more closely with other parts of Wajir County.

The government says the projects in roads, housing, education and sports form part of a wider plan to bring development to areas that have lagged behind for decades.