By Kelly Were
President William Ruto’s two-day tour of Narok County in May 2025 saw several transformative initiatives aimed at empowering local communities, boosting trade, and advancing Kenya’s economic growth.
Land Allocation to the Maasai Community
A major highlight was the allocation of 6,000 additional acres from the Kedong Ranch to the Maasai community, bringing the total to 10,000 acres. President William Ruto allocated 6,000 acres of Kedong Ranch to the Maasai Community in Narok as he began his two-day tour of the county.
Speaking in Suswa, Narok County, the president announced that the government had resolved to allocate additional acreage to locals.
Part of the contested land hosts key regional infrastructure, including the Naivasha Inland Dry Port.
“You told me the people of Narok wanted a share of Kedong Ranch. I’ve now added 6,000 acres using government funds to the 4,000 acres you already had — bringing the total to 10,000 acres,” Ruto declared.
He further announced that beneficiaries of the land allocation would receive their title deeds within one week.
“Bring me the names of the intended title deed holders, and I will issue the title deeds once the list of beneficiaries is provided. In one week, the title deeds will be here with you,” he assured.
This move aims to address land disputes in the region and provide land ownership security to the local community. President Ruto also announced that title deeds would be issued within a week and emphasized plans to build a perimeter fence around the Mau Forest to protect it from invaders.
Protecting mau forest
Additionally, the president announced that the government had allocated funds for constructing a perimeter fence around the Mau Forest to deter invaders. He said the first phase would cover 100 kilometres to help protect this vital water catchment area.
“As part of the efforts to end the long-running disputes over the Mau Forest, I have come here today with a title deed to officially hand it over to the Narok County Government. This will ensure the controversy surrounding the forest finally comes to an end,” Ruto stated.
“The forest will now be under the administration of the Narok County Government for the benefit of locals and the nation as a whole. I have also secured funds for constructing a fence around the entire forest to keep off invaders,” he directed.
He firmly clarified that the government would not allow locals to move back into the forest, countering allegations that had been made against his administration.
The Mau Forest has long been the subject of historical land disputes, which have at times led to deadly conflicts over its boundaries.
New Modern Markets for Small Traders
President Ruto officially opened the Suswa and Ntulele Modern Markets, part of the government’s initiative to support small enterprises and create jobs. The Suswa Market is one of the first of 260 markets being constructed nationwide. These markets will offer local traders improved infrastructure to expand their businesses and increase earnings.
“We are unlocking the potential of our traders and creating opportunities for our youth,” Ruto said.
Reviving the Leather Industry
The President also commissioned the revamped Ewaso Ng’iro Tannery and Leather Factory, which will process leather locally and strengthen Kenya’s leather value chain. By creating jobs and boosting local farmers’ incomes, the tannery aims to revive the country’s manufacturing sector and promote value addition to local products.
Groundbreaking for Narok International Airport
In a bold move to enhance connectivity and support regional growth, President Ruto attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the long-awaited Narok International Airport. The airport is expected to stimulate tourism, trade, and job creation in the region, opening up new opportunities for economic development.
A Vision for Growth
Throughout his visit, President Ruto emphasized his government’s commitment to empowering local communities, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods across Kenya. “These projects reflect our dedication to building a more prosperous and inclusive economy,” he concluded.
