Speaking during his New Year’s Eve address at Eldoret State Lodge on Wednesday, December 31, the President said the coming year would mark a turning point in the government’s development agenda, with priority placed on large-scale infrastructure, transport, sports facilities and irrigation.
“Through this framework, 2026 becomes the year of execution at scale,” Ruto said, adding that the government was now focused on delivering tangible results across sectors.
Sports and Conference Facilities
Among the flagship projects highlighted is the Talanta Sports Complex, which Ruto said will be completed in 2026 and prepared to host major international sporting events, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The President indicated that the facility is expected to be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Once completed, the stadium is projected to elevate Kenya’s profile as a destination for continental and global sports events.
Ruto also confirmed that construction of the Bomas International Convention Centre will be finalised next year.
The revamped facility is expected to restore Bomas as a premier venue for regional and international conferences, strengthening Kenya’s position as a hub for diplomatic and commercial gatherings.
Roads and Highways
Road infrastructure remains central to the government’s development strategy. The President pledged to accelerate the tarmacking of 6,000 kilometres of roads currently under contract, aimed at improving connectivity and reducing transport costs.
One of the key road projects is the Rironi–Mau Summit highway, which Ruto said is progressing steadily and is expected to open to traffic by mid-2027.
In addition, the government plans to launch construction of several new highways across different regions to enhance trade and ease movement.
Rail Expansion Plans
On rail transport, Ruto announced plans to begin construction of the Naivasha–Narok–Bomet–Nyamira–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line in 2026.
The proposed rail corridor is intended to strengthen Kenya’s transport and logistics network while enhancing trade links with eastern and central Africa.
Roads and Highways
Road infrastructure remains central to the government’s development strategy. The President pledged to accelerate the tarmacking of 6,000 kilometres of roads currently under contract, aimed at improving connectivity and reducing transport costs.
One of the key road projects is the Rironi–Mau Summit highway, which Ruto said is progressing steadily and is expected to open to traffic by mid-2027.
In addition, the government plans to launch construction of several new highways across different regions to enhance trade and ease movement.
Rail Expansion Plans
On rail transport, Ruto announced plans to begin construction of the Naivasha–Narok–Bomet–Nyamira–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line in 2026.
The proposed rail corridor is intended to strengthen Kenya’s transport and logistics network while enhancing trade links with eastern and central Africa.
The project is expected to boost cargo movement efficiency and support regional integration.
Water and Irrigation Projects
Water security and food production also feature prominently in the 2026 agenda. The President revealed that construction of the Galana-Kulalu dam, whose contract was signed toward the end of 2025, will begin in the new year.
The dam forms part of a broader irrigation expansion programme targeting 2.5 million acres of irrigated land nationwide.
Water and Irrigation Projects
Water security and food production also feature prominently in the 2026 agenda. The President revealed that construction of the Galana-Kulalu dam, whose contract was signed toward the end of 2025, will begin in the new year.
The dam forms part of a broader irrigation expansion programme targeting 2.5 million acres of irrigated land nationwide.
The initiative is aimed at improving food security, supporting large-scale agriculture and reducing reliance on rain-fed farming.
Aviation Infrastructure
In the aviation sector, Ruto announced plans to commence construction of a new, modern airport facility at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
According to the President, the project will position Kenya as a leading aviation hub in the region, boosting tourism, trade and investment while expanding cargo and passenger handling capacity.
Financing the Projects
To support the ambitious development agenda, Ruto pointed to the planned operationalisation of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
He said the funds will mobilise domestic resources, attract private sector investment and reduce reliance on external borrowing.
Proceeds from privatisation, the President added, will be ring-fenced strictly for public infrastructure, while the Sovereign Wealth Fund will safeguard savings for future generations.
Aviation Infrastructure
In the aviation sector, Ruto announced plans to commence construction of a new, modern airport facility at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
According to the President, the project will position Kenya as a leading aviation hub in the region, boosting tourism, trade and investment while expanding cargo and passenger handling capacity.
Financing the Projects
To support the ambitious development agenda, Ruto pointed to the planned operationalisation of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
He said the funds will mobilise domestic resources, attract private sector investment and reduce reliance on external borrowing.
Proceeds from privatisation, the President added, will be ring-fenced strictly for public infrastructure, while the Sovereign Wealth Fund will safeguard savings for future generations.
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