"I Am Committed To Building Nithi Bridge", Ruto Says As He Unveils Multi-Billion Education And Development Projects In Meru

President William Samoei Ruto has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to expanding education, strengthening infrastructure and accelerating development projects across Meru County, using the 60th anniversary celebrations of Boiruri Boys High School in Igembe as a platform to outline the government's priorities. Addressing students, teachers, church leaders, parents and residents, the President described education as the greatest investment any nation can make in securing its future.

"Sixty years ago, a community and a church made a commitment, a bet on the future, an act of faith in education, in discipline and in the limitless potential of the Kenyan child. They believed that a school in Maua could shape the destiny of generations. Today we affirm that they were right."

Ruto praised the Methodist Church in Kenya and the Igembe community for establishing Boiruri Boys six decades ago, saying their partnership had transformed countless lives through education, discipline and leadership. He said the school's legacy demonstrates the impact communities can achieve when they invest in young people.

"Faith built these gates. Community kept them open. Generation after generation of young Kenyans has walked through them into lives of purpose, service and leadership. This is the partnership government cherishes and it is why we will continue working with faith-based organisations and local communities."

The President said his administration will continue strengthening partnerships with religious organisations and local communities to build more schools, improve existing facilities and make Kenya's education system more inclusive, effective and equitable.

"We will continue working with faith-based organizations and local communities to build more schools, equip them better, and make our education system more effective, more inclusive, and more just."

Ruto also paid tribute to the school's administration, teachers and non-teaching staff, describing them as the silent force behind Boiruri Boys' success over the last 60 years. He said educators remain central to shaping responsible citizens and driving national development.

"Let me also pay tribute to the administration, the teachers and the teaching staff of this school, past and present. Yours is a quiet and consistent service. It rarely seeks applause, yet it is the force behind every achievement this institution has recorded over the last sixty years."

The Head of State reiterated that every school in Kenya deserves equal government attention regardless of its location, age or reputation. He said his administration values every learner and every teacher and will continue engaging institutions across the country to ensure no community is left behind.

"My administration does not measure a school by its fame, its age or the prominence of its alumni. We measure it by the potential of the young people. Every learner matters. Every teacher matters. No institution is too small to matter and no child is too far away."

Addressing learners directly, Ruto said discipline remains the foundation of academic success and responsible citizenship. He argued that while education equips students with knowledge, discipline determines how that knowledge is applied throughout life.

"Discipline does wonders, as your school motto reminds us. Talent is common, discipline is rare. Our country does not merely need educated people; it needs disciplined ones. Knowledge may sharpen the mind, but only discipline governs its use."

The President expressed concern over recent incidents of unrest in some schools, saying the disturbances should prompt national reflection on the importance of character formation alongside academic achievement. He urged students to make responsible choices that safeguard their futures.

"Education is not only about passing examinations but also about forming character, resolving differences peacefully and understanding that every action carries consequences. Before you act, ask yourself one question: Will this decision make my future or diminish it?"

Ruto appealed to parents to play a more active role in raising their children, saying schools can educate learners but cannot replace the responsibility of families in instilling discipline, values and moral guidance.

"A school can educate a child, but it cannot raise one. Be present in your children's lives. Know their friends. Understand their struggles. Walk beside them every milestone and every season. Let us recover the wisdom of African parenting."

The President defended the government's decision to allocate the largest share of the national budget to education, saying funding has increased from KSh526 billion in 2022 to KSh784 billion in the current financial year. He maintained that education remains the greatest equaliser in society.

"Education receives the largest share of our national budget, rising from KSh526 billion in 2022 to KSh784 billion in the budget we have just passed. Education is the greatest equalizer. It asks neither where a child was born nor where their parents are."

Ruto said the government has recruited 100,000 teachers during his administration and will hire an additional 24,000 teachers this financial year to address staffing shortages in public schools across the country.

"We have recruited and deployed a historic 100,000 teachers with 24,000 more set to be recruited this year to ensure that no child in Kenya is left behind in accessing quality education."

The President further said nearly 400,000 teachers have been retrained to implement the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system after reforms were undertaken to address concerns raised during the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum.

"We sat down with all stakeholders and corrected the challenges in the curriculum. We have also retooled nearly 400,000 teachers to deliver an effective competence-based education and training system for our children."

According to Ruto, the government has built more than 23,000 classrooms over the last three years through the Ministry of Education and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund while construction of 1,600 science laboratories is ongoing to strengthen STEM education.

"Through the Ministry of Education and the National Government Development Constituency Fund, we have built more than 23,000 classrooms. We are building 1,600 modern science laboratories so that our learners are equipped with science and technology skills."

The President defended the new higher education funding model, saying it allocates financial support based on students' needs while stabilising universities that had previously experienced severe financial challenges.

"We have transformed higher education financing through a student-centered funding model that directs support according to need and merit while placing the learner, not the institution, at the centre."

Turning to Boiruri Boys High School, Ruto announced that the government will finance the construction of 30 classrooms, including 24 classrooms and four science laboratories, with construction expected to begin immediately and be completed before the end of the year.

"Nimekubali ya kwamba tutawajengea madarasa 30, madarasa 24 pamoja na laboratories nne. Nataka hiyo kazi ianze mara moja na ikamilike kabla ya Desemba mwaka huu."

He also pledged government support for the construction of a multipurpose hall at the school and directed Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to coordinate implementation of the project.

"Pia nimekubali tutawajengea multipurpose hall na nimeamurisha Waziri Ogamba pamoja na Waziri Alice Wahome washirikiane kuhakikisha hiyo kazi inaanza na inakamilika haraka iwezekanavyo."

For neighbouring Shugulu Primary School, the President announced funding for the construction of 20 classrooms, saying the project is intended to address congestion and improve learning conditions for more than 2,000 pupils.

"Shule ya primary hapa yenye wanafunzi zaidi ya elfu mbili tutawajengea madarasa ishirini na tutatoa fedha ili ujenzi uanze mara moja baada ya taratibu kukamilika."

On transport infrastructure, Ruto reaffirmed that the government has allocated KSh7 billion for reconstruction of the notorious Nithi Bridge, saying compensation has been completed and construction will proceed to eliminate one of Kenya's deadliest accident blackspots.

"Tumeweka pesa bilioni saba ya kujenga Nithi Bridge kuhakikisha watu wa Meru hawapati ajali tena. Contractor tayari yuko pale na tumemaliza compensation ya mashamba, sasa hiyo kazi inasonga mbele."

The President added that KSh8 billion has been allocated for road projects across Meru County to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth while enhancing safety for road users.

"Kila mbunge anajua mahali barabara zimefikia. Tumeweka pesa bilioni nane ya barabara kwa sababu maendeleo ya miundombinu ni msingi wa ukuaji wa uchumi katika Meru na Kenya kwa ujumla."

Ruto highlighted ongoing affordable housing, market and student accommodation projects worth about KSh20 billion in Meru County, saying the investments will create jobs while improving living standards and access to modern public facilities.

"Tumeweka pesa bilioni ishirini kutoka Housing Fund kujenga nyumba elfu mbili, masoko kumi na saba, hostels za wanafunzi na miradi mingine ambayo tayari inaendelea katika Meru County."

The President concluded by urging leaders at every level to focus on development and service delivery rather than politics, insisting that his nationwide tours are aimed at monitoring government projects and ensuring that every Kenyan benefits equally from public investment.

"Mimi ni mfanyikazi wa wananchi wa Kenya. Natembea kila sehemu kwa sababu kila kaunti na kila jamii ni sawa. I want to transform this nation, and that is why we must work harder and ensure that no part of Kenya is left behind."

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