President William Samoei Ruto on Sunday, September 27, 2026, attended a church service at the Pentecostal Church in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, as he continued his development tour of Kenya’s Coast region.

The President worshipped alongside residents, church members and local leaders, including Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime and Mwatate Ward Member of County Assembly Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha. The church service provided an opportunity for the Head of State to interact with the local community and address issues concerning development, leadership and the future of Taita Taveta County.

Ruto’s attendance at the service came after a busy day of development engagements in Taita Taveta on Saturday. His wider Coast tour is scheduled to cover Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River and Lamu counties, with the programme focusing on development projects, infrastructure, land ownership and economic activities.

Ruto calls for support for development projects

During his address to the congregation in Mwatate, President Ruto urged local leaders and residents to support development initiatives being undertaken by the national government.

The President criticised what he described as opposition from some leaders to government projects in Taita Taveta. He specifically referred to questions surrounding the construction of a stadium, saying some leaders appeared unfamiliar with major development projects because they had not previously seen such investments in the county.

Ruto said the national government was committed to ensuring that Taita Taveta benefited from development in the same way as other parts of the country. He emphasised that development should not be determined by a region’s population size or political considerations.

He also called for inclusivity, saying every part of Kenya should be incorporated into the national development agenda. According to reports from the service, he urged residents to forgive leaders who questioned some of the projects, while maintaining that the county would continue receiving government investment.

Sh15 billion road investment

One of the major development announcements surrounding Ruto’s visit to Taita Taveta is the planned investment of Sh15 billion in the county’s road network during the current financial year.

The President announced the allocation on Saturday while inspecting the Mto Mwagodi-Bura road in Wundanyi. He said the investment would improve connectivity and mobility across Taita Taveta and support economic activities by making it easier for people and goods to move between different parts of the county.

The Mto Mwagodi-Bura road has attracted particular attention because of its importance to residents and businesses. Reports indicate that the 57-kilometre road project, valued at approximately Sh2 billion, is intended to improve the connection between Wundanyi and the Voi-Taveta-Holili highway. The project had experienced delays before construction resumed.

Road infrastructure has remained an important component of the government’s development programme in Taita Taveta. Better roads are expected to facilitate agricultural transportation, tourism, trade and access to social services.

Proposed railway connection to Tanzania

Another major issue highlighted during the Mwatate church service was railway infrastructure.

President Ruto announced plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Voi towards Tanzania, with an allocation of about Sh5 billion for the proposed project, according to Citizen Digital.

The President said the proposed railway connection would include stations at Mwatate, Bura, Mwakitau and Taveta before extending into Tanzania. The plan is intended to strengthen transport and trade links between Kenya and its neighbouring East African countries.

The railway proposal builds on earlier government plans concerning the Voi-Mwatate-Taveta corridor. In April 2026, the President launched reconstruction works on the Voi-Mwatate-Taveta metre-gauge railway, with the government announcing an investment of Sh5.5 billion for revitalisation of the line. The government said the railway would support movement of people and goods, regional trade and economic activities in Taita Taveta.

The railway plans therefore form part of a broader effort to improve transport infrastructure and strengthen connections between Kenya’s coastal region and Tanzania.

Development projects in Taita Taveta

Ruto’s Sunday church appearance followed several development engagements in the county.

During the Saturday tour, the President launched and inspected several projects, including a modern market and an affordable housing project in Wundanyi. The modern market is intended to provide traders with improved facilities, while the housing project forms part of the national Affordable Housing Programme.

The President also inspected the ongoing road construction and discussed broader infrastructure investment in the county.

Other government projects in Taita Taveta have included railway rehabilitation, roads, electricity connections, markets and sports facilities. The official presidential website previously reported that the government was investing in the rehabilitation of the Voi-Mwatate-Taveta railway and developing associated infrastructure to strengthen the county’s position as a logistics and trade corridor.

Church and government partnership

President Ruto’s attendance at the Mwatate service also highlighted the continued interaction between the government and religious institutions.

Church services attended by national leaders often provide opportunities for prayers, messages of unity and discussions about community development. Ruto has previously spoken about the role of religious institutions in supporting national cohesion and social development.

The President has also previously praised churches for their contribution to education, healthcare, social services and community welfare. In an earlier engagement with faith leaders, he said the government appreciated the contribution of religious organisations to society and their role in promoting cohesion.

In Mwatate, the presence of local leaders alongside the President also demonstrated the importance of cooperation between national and county governments in implementing development programmes.

Leadership and responsibility

Ruto also used the Sunday service to speak about responsible leadership. Reports from the event indicate that he urged leaders to exercise discipline and responsibility in their public conduct, warning that careless remarks could create unnecessary tension.

The President said leaders have an obligation to set an example because citizens look to them for guidance. He encouraged leaders to behave responsibly and help mentor other citizens and future leaders.

The remarks came amid renewed political discussions in Kenya, including disagreements among political leaders over past elections and the performance of the current administration. Ruto’s comments therefore combined a message of responsibility with his broader call for development and national unity.

Taita Taveta development agenda

The President’s visit has placed Taita Taveta at the centre of discussions about infrastructure and economic development.

The county has significant agricultural, tourism and mineral resources, while its location along the Kenya-Tanzania border gives it strategic importance for regional trade.

Improved roads and railway connections could potentially make it easier for farmers and traders to transport products to markets. Better transport infrastructure could also support tourism and facilitate movement between towns and border areas.

The government has previously described railway development in the county as an opportunity to improve trade, create employment and unlock the region’s economic potential. The official presidential website said the Voi-Mwatate-Taveta railway could help connect the Port of Mombasa with the Taveta-Holili border and support trade with Tanzania.

Coast tour continues

The Mwatate church service forms part of President Ruto’s wider eight-day tour of the Coast region.

The tour includes several counties and is focused on launching and inspecting government projects, meeting residents and local leaders, issuing title deeds and discussing development priorities.

According to reports, the President is also expected to oversee the groundbreaking of the proposed East Africa Refinery in Lamu as the Coast tour continues.

The programme is therefore combining religious engagements with infrastructure, economic and administrative activities.