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Ruto's remarks place him at odds with Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, who in October said the government would seek parliamentary approval to repeal the 17.5 percent export and investment promotion levy on clinker and steel. Kinyanjui said the levy had produced unintended outcomes for companies operating in these sectors.
Speaking on Tuesday during the opening of the 9th edition of Tobong’u Lore, the Turkana Cultural Festival, President William Ruto said the project is currently in its conceptual phase and is expected to transform the county into a global hub for the study of human origins.
Ruto said the funds would lay a strong base for infrastructure and resource development, with Turkana expected to play a central role. He announced that the government had approved the field development plan for oil discovered in the county and committed to starting extraction within the next year as part of resource mobilisation for the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Unable to handle the threat, the initial responding officers immediately called in specialists, who confirmed and safely removed the explosives before they could detonate. An investigation team from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) has also been deployed to examine the incident.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ruto emphasized that the initiative aligns closely with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the government’s broader manufacturing agenda, and the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
In a statement on his X account after meeting Muthoni at State House on Monday, the President lauded Muthoni for spending 72 continuous hours embracing an indigenous tree, an act he described as deeply symbolic and courageous.
Ruto described Jirongo as a fighter with warmth and courage, saying he never shied away from big ideas or difficult positions.
In addition, the President appointed Loice Jepkemboi Kipkorir as a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission for three years, also starting December 11, 2025.
The awards featured the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya and the Order of the Burning Spear, which remain the highest symbols of national appreciation.
The planned Thika Road expressway will add to the already 27.1 km Nairobi Expressway, a vital elevated toll road that links Mlolongo near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the James Gichuru junction, easing congestion in the heart of Nairobi.
This year, Jamhuri Day celebrations were part of a broader themed week from December 8 to 11, focusing on “Tourism, Wildlife, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).”
The arrival of President William Ruto added to the rising energy. He stepped out of a black suit from his motorcade, which had moved from State House to the stadium in about fifteen minutes. He was welcomed by Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri before taking a full ceremonial lap around the stadium in the open-top car.