Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
In a move to consolidate oversight in regional development, President Ruto reappointed James Dianga as Non-Executive Chairperson of the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA). Dianga’s renewed three-year tenure, effective November 21, 2025, positions him to guide initiatives promoting socio-economic growth in the Lake Victoria region, including coordinated resource management and developmental planning.
The President also addressed the ongoing fact-checking of his State of the Nation address delivered on November 20, 2025. He said he was unshaken by the reviews from various media houses, adding that he is focused on carrying out government development programs.
The new laws are the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill, 2025, the Capital Markets (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Provisional Collection of Taxes and Duties (Repeal) Bill, 2025, and the Government-Owned Enterprises Bill, 2025. Together, they set the stage for what the government says will be better service delivery and higher accountability across key institutions.
The lawmakers said their frustration was a reminder of an older policy that has shaped government action for decades. They pointed to Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965, known as African Socialism and its Application to Planning in Kenya, saying it continues to influence development choices in a way that disadvantages their region.
As part of the rollout, the government will team up with private investors to rebuild airports in Nairobi, Mombasa and Lamu under Public–Private Partnerships. Ruto noted that the initiative also aims to resolve the challenges facing Kenya Airways, saying the aviation sector plays a central role in linking the country to global markets.
In his State of the Nation Address, the President said limited rainfall can no longer determine the country’s food supply. He noted that just a fraction of Kenya receives enough rain to sustain dependable food production, a situation he said has kept farmers vulnerable to drought cycles.
Ruto noted that the country had been grappling with a serious shortage of teachers and a difficult transition under CBC, a situation he said was made worse by the financial struggles in universities.
Ahead of the address, teams from the General Service Unit and regular police were spread across key roads that feed into the National Assembly. Officers were positioned along Harambee Avenue, City Hall Way and the connecting routes to ensure controlled movement as the President made his way to the precinct.
The award was collected on President Ruto’s behalf by Kenyan Ambassador to Morocco, Jessica Gakinya, reflecting the country’s growing influence and active participation in African football circles. This recognition highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to boost sports infrastructure and create a strong support system for athletes nationwide.
Ruto said the new system of delivering medicines and other health commodities directly to hospitals, rather than through county stores, will guarantee uninterrupted provision of health services under the Universal Health Coverage programme.
Winnie warned that ODM needed a firm and transparent process to decide who should steer the party’s engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration. She said the shift in leadership after Raila Odinga’s passing meant that ODM must now return to its structures and allow delegates to choose the person who will handle the sensitive political relationship.
The President said the funds represent the highest investment any administration has ever directed to the three counties at one time. He told leaders that Sh64 billion will support new houses, modern markets, and student hostels across various towns.