President William Ruto has begun a high-stakes tour of the Mt. Kenya region, a visit seen as a test of his political grip on the vote-rich area ahead of the 2027 General Election.

His five-day itinerary includes commissioning completed projects, inspecting ongoing developments and launching new ones in Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi and Kiambu counties.

The projects on his agenda range from roads and affordable housing to electricity connectivity, fresh produce markets and water and irrigation schemes. Notably, he is set to issue title deeds in Nyeri and Meru counties and inspect construction projects such as the JM Memorial Hospital in Ol Kalou and the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIPS) in Kiambu and Laikipia.

Today, the president has led a series of transformative initiatives in Laikipia County, highlighting the government’s commitment to security, education and economic empowerment. During his visit, the President reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to combat cattle rustling and insecurity, ensuring that residents can live and work in peace.

“We have made significant progress in restoring security in Laikipia. Our people no longer have to live in fear and this allows them to focus on farming, business and education,” the President stated.

In a major boost for education, the government has injected KShs 200 million into rehabilitating nine schools, including Ng’arachi, Kirima, Mahua, Muteta, Thigio, Gatarima, Mwenje, Nyakinyua and Milimani primary schools. While officiating the reopening of Ng’arachi Comprehensive School, the President emphasized the government’s dedication to improving learning conditions.

“No child should be left behind because of poor infrastructure. We are committed to ensuring that every student in Laikipia gets a quality education in a safe environment,” he affirmed.

To further drive economic development, the President flagged off the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, a KShs 1.12 billion initiative that will connect over 9,000 households in Laikipia to electricity. “This project will transform lives by powering homes, businesses and schools, creating new economic opportunities for our people,” he said.

The President also handed over a school bus to Dr. Wachira Secondary School in Kiamariga, easing transport challenges for students. In a move to support the boda boda industry, he distributed car wash machines to operators, enabling them to diversify their income sources.

“These young men work tirelessly every day. By equipping them with additional tools, we are not just improving their livelihoods but also steering them toward financial independence,” he remarked.

Residents expressed their gratitude, with local leader lauding the government’s intervention. “For years, insecurity and lack of development held us back. Today, we see a new Laikipia taking shape,” he said.

The President’s visit underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace, empowering communities and laying a solid foundation for Laikipia’s growth.

However, the visit is not without controversy. The President’s popularity in Mt. Kenya has waned following the impeachment of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, a key figure in the region’s political landscape. Gachagua has dismissed the tour, cautioning residents against being swayed by what he termed as “political theatrics.”

“Let our people not be deceived by handouts and promises. The real issue is whether this administration has truly uplifted the livelihoods of Mt. Kenya residents,” Gachagua remarked in Naivasha on Saturday.

The former DP alleged that Ruto is making desperate attempts to regain favor with the region through hefty financial pledges and new development initiatives.

Despite the political tensions, Ruto’s camp remains optimistic. A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “This tour is about development, not politics. The President is committed to ensuring the region thrives economically.”

Political analysts say the reception Ruto receives will be a litmus test for his influence in Mt. Kenya, a region that played a pivotal role in his 2022 election victory. As he traverses the counties, all eyes will be on whether he can navigate what is increasingly shaping up to be a politically ‘slippery climb on the mountain.’