Ruto Announces Multi-Billion Development Push for Coast During PS Fikirini Thanksgiving Event

President William Ruto has unveiled a sweeping multi-billion shilling development package for the Coast region, with key investments targeting the blue economy, housing, electricity, healthcare, and land ownership.

Speaking on Sunday, May 24, 2026, during a thanksgiving ceremony held in honour of Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs at Mnagoni Primary School grounds in Bamba, Kilifi County, Ruto said the projects are part of the government’s long-term strategy to uplift livelihoods and unlock the economic potential of the region.

At the centre of the announcement was a Ksh10 billion investment in the blue economy sector aimed at revitalising fishing activities along the Coast.

The President revealed that the government will finance the construction of five fish landing sites worth Ksh840 million and three fish markets valued at Ksh350 million. In addition, 272 modern fishing boats have already been distributed to local fishermen to improve productivity and earnings.

The plan also includes the establishment of a Ksh1.5 billion fish hatchery and the Ksh2 billion Shimoni Fish Port in Kwale County, projects expected to strengthen Kenya’s marine economy and create employment opportunities.

“These investments are meant to change lives and create opportunities for thousands of families who depend on fishing,” Ruto said.

The Head of State also disclosed that more than Ksh25 billion has been committed to development programmes in Kilifi County through the Affordable Housing Programme.

According to the President, Ksh18 billion will go towards affordable housing projects, while Ksh1.2 billion has been set aside for the construction of 10 modern markets. A further Ksh2 billion will fund hostels in universities, technical institutions, and Kenya Medical Training College centres.

Ruto said the government is focused on delivering projects that were once considered unattainable.

“What many people only imagined in the past is now becoming a reality through deliberate planning and investment,” he said.

The President took time to commend PS Fikirini Jacobs, describing him as a committed and hardworking public servant whose performance has demonstrated the value of empowering young leaders.

He particularly praised the Principal Secretary for helping oversee the implementation of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, an initiative designed to support youth-led enterprises through financial empowerment.

On electricity connectivity, Ruto announced that Ksh2.2 billion has been allocated to connect 20,000 homes to electricity in Kilifi County. He added that ongoing transmission line projects between Malindi, Weru, Rabai, Bomani and Kilifi will help stabilise power supply and support regional growth.

The President also renewed his call for universal access to education, urging local leaders and parents to ensure no child remains out of school.

He said his administration has recruited 100,000 teachers nationwide within three years to bridge staffing gaps in schools, noting that Kilifi County alone has benefited from the hiring of 2,860 teachers — significantly higher than the 700 recruited between 2017 and 2022.

On healthcare, Ruto revealed that hospitals in Kilifi have received Ksh1.4 billion under the Social Health Authority over the last 18 months, enabling local health facilities to improve service delivery.

The President further pledged to resolve historical land ownership challenges at the Coast, particularly the issue of absentee landlords that has left many residents without title deeds for decades.

He noted that out of the 1.5 million title deeds issued nationally in the last three years, 381,000 have been allocated to Coast residents, with another 200,000 families expected to receive ownership documents within the next three months.

“People cannot invest or plan for the future when they live without certainty over land ownership,” he said.

To tackle persistent human-wildlife conflict in Ganze, Ruto announced a Ksh315 million project to fence 140 kilometres of Tsavo National Park bordering local villages.

He also ordered the immediate deregistration of the Shirango Conservancy, claiming it had been illegally established without the consent of residents, and directed that the land be returned to the local community.