The President began his engagements in Elgeyo-Marakwet, where he visited Kapyego in Marakwet East Constituency. His programme included commissioning a major road, laying the foundation stone for a modern market, launching electricity and water initiatives, and inspecting education facilities.

Governor Wesley Rotich and other local leaders accompanied the President during the tour.Commissioning the Kipkundul-Kapyego-Kamelei road

One of the major highlights was the commissioning of the approximately 30-kilometre Kipkundul-Kapyego-Kamelei road, a project reported to have cost about KSh2.2 billion.

The road is expected to improve movement between settlements, trading centres and neighbouring areas. For residents who depend on agriculture, livestock keeping and small businesses, better roads can reduce transport difficulties and make it easier to move produce to markets.Kapyego Modern Market project

Ruto also laid the foundation stone for the Kapyego Modern Market, a project valued at approximately KSh205 million and designed to accommodate about 200 traders.Electricity connectivity for households

Another major announcement concerned electricity access in Elgeyo-Marakwet.

Ruto flagged off a Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project targeting 1,655 households in Kapyego, with an investment of approximately KSh416 million. The wider county electricity programme was reported to involve about KSh1.6 billion and target thousands of additional residents.Water supply and education infrastructure

The President's programme in Kapyego also included the launch of Phase One of the Kapyego Water Supply Project. Better access to water is essential for households, schools, health facilities and small businesses, particularly in communities where residents may have to travel considerable distances to obtain reliable supplies.After his engagements in Elgeyo-Marakwet, the President proceeded to Baringo County, where he visited Kinyach in Baringo North Constituency.

His visit focused on road construction, electricity access, security and economic development. These priorities are closely connected in an area where difficult transport conditions and insecurity have affected the movement of people, livestock and goods.KSh4.5 billion Kipsaraman-Kinyach road

One of the most significant announcements concerned the Kipsaraman-Kinyach road, a project estimated to cost KSh4.5 billion and covering approximately 55 kilometres.

Ruto inspected the construction works and said the road would eventually be extended towards Kapsowar in Elgeyo-Marakwet. The planned connection is intended to improve movement between communities and strengthen links between the two counties. KSh22 billion road programme in Baringo

During the visit, Ruto said the government had committed approximately KSh22 billion to the construction of 350 kilometres of roads in Baringo County.

The proposed investment is intended to improve connectivity across the county and open up areas where poor transport links have constrained economic activity.Electricity connections for 3,329 households

Ruto also launched a Last Mile Electricity Connectivity programme in Baringo valued at approximately KSh1 billion. The programme targets 3,329 households, including 723 households in Baringo North through a specific investment of about KSh162 million. Ruto's message on security and peace in the Kerio Valley

Security was one of the central issues during the President's engagements in the two counties.

Parts of the Kerio Valley have experienced banditry, livestock theft and conflict, disrupting livelihoods and creating uncertainty for families. Insecurity can prevent farmers from accessing their land, discourage investment and interfere with children's education.Ruto's message on security and peace in the Kerio Valley

Security was one of the central issues during the President's engagements in the two counties.

Parts of the Kerio Valley have experienced banditry, livestock theft and conflict, disrupting livelihoods and creating uncertainty for families. Insecurity can prevent farmers from accessing their land, discourage investment and interfere with children's education.Ruto challenges the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections

Beyond development projects, the President used his visit to deliver a political message ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ruto challenged opposition leaders to present practical plans for transforming the country instead of relying on ethnic mobilisation, personal attacks and political hostility.The projects announced, launched or inspected during the visit cover several areas that directly affect everyday life.

Transport: Road construction is expected to improve movement between rural settlements, markets and public facilities.

Trade: Modern markets could provide traders with more organised spaces to sell their goods and services.

Electricity: Last-mile connections could expand access to power for households and businesses.

Water: The Kapyego Water Supply Project is intended to improve access to an essential resource.Education: Renovations and student accommodation investments could improve learning environments and access to technical training.

Employment: Construction activities can create temporary jobs, while functioning markets and improved infrastructure may support longer-term business opportunities.

Security: Better roads and renewed economic activity are intended to complement efforts to restore peace in the Kerio Valley.The wider significance of the North Rift development tour

Ruto's visits to Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo form part of a broader North Rift tour running from October 10 to October 20, 2026.

The tour includes infrastructure inspections, project launches, market development, electricity connectivity, housing and other public investments across several counties. It is scheduled to culminate in the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.