President William Ruto announced that Nairobi residents will soon enjoy a better supply of clean drinking water as the Northern Collector Tunnel in Murang'a nears completion.

This 11.8-kilometer tunnel will increase Nairobi’s water supply by 140,000 cubic meters daily, easing shortages in neighborhoods like Kibra and Lang'ata.

PHOTO | COURTESY President Ruto 

Speaking at the African Divine Church’s 73rd-anniversary service at Nairobi Primary School, attended by thousands and led by Archbishop John Lilege Saiya Chabuga, President Ruto emphasized his commitment to improving Nairobi’s livability, including initiatives to clean up the Nairobi River.

The President underscored the importance of having a clean city, particularly as Nairobi is home to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). He highlighted the ClimateWorX Mtaani project, employing 10,000 young people to clean and green the Nairobi River Basin. Plans are to expand this initiative to other cities, including Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru, and eventually to all 47 counties.

PHOTO | COURTESY President Ruto 

Focusing on affordable housing, President Ruto announced plans to commission 1,000 housing units in Nairobi next month, with tenants paying KSh3,000 monthly to own their homes. He also addressed healthcare, noting that the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will ensure equal access to medical services and cover chronic illnesses like cancer and diabetes, with government support for those unable to pay.

In education, the President mentioned a new university funding model and the recent hiring of 56,000 teachers, with 20,000 more to be employed in January.

President Ruto affirmed the government’s respect for religious freedom and pledged cooperation with the Church in development initiatives. Addressing rising violence against women, he called on citizens to take action alongside government efforts.