Ruto Promises Farmers Freedom From Cartels as Western Kenya Reaps Development Gains

^{BY ROBERT WANYONYI}

President William Ruto has reassured Kenyans that cartels in the coffee and sugar sectors will never again hold farmers hostage, declaring that reforms have already dismantled the brokers who for years denied growers a fair livelihood.

Speaking in Vihiga and Bungoma counties at the close of his five-day development tour of Western Kenya, the President told farmers that the changes in agriculture are bearing fruit.

On sugar, he highlighted that the privatisation of factories has boosted production, with farmers and employees now receiving payments within a week of cane delivery plus bonuses for the first time. He added that Kenya is on track to become a sugar exporter.

Ruto also pointed to reforms at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, where the removal of monopoly has opened up the market and increased earnings for farmers. He said these steps are making Kenya self-sufficient and ending the culture of imports.Despite opposition leaders chanting “one term” slogans, the President insisted that his agenda will not be derailed. “We are not going to relent in our efforts to transform this country from a Third World to a first-world economy despite noise by those who have no agenda,” he said.

Beyond agriculture, Ruto unveiled major projects aimed at uplifting communities. In Vihiga, he handed over keys to new homeowners at the KSh536 million Affordable Housing Project and announced an additional 1,000 units to curb land fragmentation. He also broke ground for the KSh900 million Kidundu Stadium and the KSh363 million Mbale Modern Market, designed to nurture talent and boost trade.

In Bungoma, he launched the KSh5 billion Kanduyi Smart City Affordable Housing Programme, which will deliver 2,035 dignified homes while creating jobs for young people.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi praised the scale of development in Western Kenya under Ruto’s leadership, while National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged the region to rally behind the President’s re-election bid in 2027.Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya echoed the call, saying Ruto’s projects have transformed lives, especially in coffee and sugar farming.

Meanwhile, MPs allied to the government urged critics to embrace civility in politics. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa stressed that respect must be mutual: “If our friends in the opposition want to be respected, they must respect the Presidency. It’s as simple as that.”

AUTHOR'S PICK

For residents, the tour was more than politics,it was a promise of better livelihoods, dignified housing, and opportunities for the next generation.