Ruto Defends Education Reforms, Announces Major Expansion of Njiiri School During Murang’a Visit
Politics Updated: 04 May 2026 09:53 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto speaking on Sunday 3rd May at the A.I.C. Githumu, Kandara, Murang’a County.
William Ruto on Sunday made a high-profile visit to Murang’a County, where he addressed residents and officials at Njiiri School in Kandara Constituency for the second time within a week.
The President used the event to defend ongoing education reforms, reaffirm infrastructure investments, and outline the government’s long-term development agenda.
Speaking to residents, Ruto emphasised the central role of education in national development and social equality.
"Ndio wananchi wakasema education is the greatest equalizer. Yaani elimu ndio inatupatia usawa," he said.
He added that education provides equal opportunity for all children regardless of background.
"Watoto wa jamii zote watoto wa maskini na tajiri wanakuwa sawa wakipata elimu," he stated.
Ruto said the government had prioritised hiring teachers to improve learning outcomes in schools across the country.
"And because of that very important place of education number one, nikasema hata ingawaje tulikuwa tunaajiri walimu 5,000 kila mwaka lakini tukabadilisha na leo nikizungumza na nyinyi hapa tumeajiri walimu 100,000 in 3 years," he said.
He noted that increased recruitment was aimed at ensuring every learner has access to teachers.
"Why? Because education is important and because we want to make sure that every child akienda shuleni akutane na mwalimu," he added.
Ruto also highlighted a major classroom construction programme to address national shortages.
"In the last three years, we've built 23,000 classrooms," he said.
At Njiiri School, the President announced a major expansion plan following its elevation to national status.
"Najua mmekuwa mkijenga madarasa mbili, moja namna hiyo namna hiyo. Lakini nimesikiza… nimeamua… nitawajengea madarasa 30 na niongeze laboratories, sita," he stated.
He said the expansion would not be limited to Murang’a alone but part of a national programme.
"In Nairobi alone we are building 1,000 classrooms," he said.
Ruto also addressed challenges in education funding and introduced a new student-centred financing model.
"Shida ya pili tulikuwa nayo ni mambo ya funding model… We now have a student-centered funding model," he said.
He added that education spending has significantly increased over the years.
"…tumeongeza budget ya education from about 500 billion in 2022… to 765 billion," he said.
On school capitation, the President defended early disbursement of funds to institutions.
"Made a decision tutakuwa tunatuma pesa mbeleni kabla watoto hawajafika shuleni," he stated.
He added that billions had already been released to schools nationwide.
"On 23rd of April… tulikuwa tumetuma pesa… 23 billion shillings across Kenya," he said.
At Njiiri School specifically, Ruto committed funding for multiple infrastructure projects.
"Nitatuma pesa ya Ministry of Education kujenga hiyo administration block… hiyo pesa itakuja," he said.
He confirmed that the administration block would cost about KSh70 million.
"Mmesema mnataka mjengewe dormitory ya vijana 1,000… nimeamrisha… wajenge hiyo dormitory hapa," he said.
The State Department for Housing, led by Alice Wahome, will construct the dormitory estimated at KSh100 million.
Ruto also directed improvements to school infrastructure including roads within the compound.
"Nimekubaliana na chairman wangu wa KeRRA… tujenge hiyo lami… tumalize hii matope," he said.
He said the Kenya Rural Roads Authority would tarmac internal pathways to improve accessibility.
The President also addressed teacher shortages, promising recruitment support through the Teachers Service Commission.
"Nitawaweka katika TSC na niwapatie kazi vile tumepanga," he said.
He added that additional teachers from neighbouring schools would also be considered for deployment.
Ruto further highlighted ongoing national healthcare reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
"Tumesema gharama ya hospitali ilipwe na bima ya afya… Wakenya wote wasajiliwe ndani ya SHA," he said.
He said the goal was to ensure universal access to healthcare regardless of income status.
On economic development, the President pointed to Special Economic Zones and industrial growth projects across the country.
"Tuko na Special Economic Zone sita… Murang'a, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Eldoret, Busia na Mombasa," he said.
He added that the government is linking industrialisation with housing, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Ruto concluded by calling for unity and results-driven leadership, saying citizens would judge leaders based on development outcomes rather than rhetoric.
"Si kila mtu anapimwa na ile kazi amefanya… hawa wananchi wako na akili," he said, urging leaders to focus on delivery.
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FELIX MAKONA
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