Why Kindiki Is the Perfect Deputy for My Administration – Ruto

President William Ruto, during a visit to Meru on Monday, reaffirmed his confidence in Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, citing his intellectual acumen and strategic importance in advancing the government’s agenda. 

The President simultaneously announced a series of significant infrastructure and compensation initiatives aimed at boosting the region’s tourism sector and addressing human-wildlife conflict. Ruto emphasised Kindiki’s indispensable role since his appointment as Deputy President in December 2024, following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. He lauded Kindiki’s deep understanding of critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The President said that Kindiki's expertise has been pivotal in supporting the administration’s policy implementation and ensuring cohesive governance.

"Now I have a deputy who understands government," Ruto stated, underscoring the importance of a leadership approach that transcends regional divides and prioritises national unity. 

He emphasised that Kindiki's leadership style ensured that government policies benefit all Kenyans, aligning with the administration’s vision of inclusive development. Prior to his role as Deputy President, Kindiki served as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, overseeing one of the nation’s most influential ministries. According to Ruto, Kindiki's transition to the deputy presidency has been characterised by a strong work ethic, intellect, and a capacity to articulate government priorities effectively. The President admitted he had previously felt like a lone voice advocating for government programs, emphasising that Kindiki's support was crucial to amplifying the administration’s message and ensuring internal cohesion.

"I need your intellect to help me and to help our Cabinet members profile the initiatives we are undertaking," Ruto added. 

In addition to praising Kindiki, President Ruto announced that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) had granted permits for the construction of three hotels within Meru National Park. This announcement comes at a time when land allocation for development projects, especially in environmentally sensitive zones, faces growing scrutiny. Ruto framed the hotel initiative as a strategic move to bolster tourism in the region, asserting that well-planned infrastructure could attract more visitors while creating economic opportunities for local communities. 

"KWS and our ministry have issued licenses for the construction of three hotels in Meru National Park. Local investors should also be involved in these plans," he said, emphasising the need for inclusive participation in the region's economic development.

The decision to approve hotel construction within a protected area follows the recent suspension of a controversial development project in Nairobi’s Ngong Road Forest, which was halted due to significant public and environmental concerns. Conservation groups had warned that such projects pose a threat to Kenya’s fragile green spaces, highlighting the delicate balance between development and environmental preservation. Further demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing Meru as a premier tourism destination, President Ruto announced a Ksh250 million allocation for the renovation of Meru Mulika Airstrip. 

The enhancement of the airstrip is intended to facilitate easier access to the region, making it more appealing to both tourists and investors. While acknowledging that the current funding may not be sufficient for comprehensive upgrades, Ruto pledges that additional resources would be allocated to the project in the future. At the same event, President Ruto presided over the launch of a Ksh950 million compensation program for victims affected by human-wildlife conflicts. 

The administration’s decision to streamline the compensation framework is aimed at resolving longstanding grievances from communities living near national parks and reserves. For years, local communities have advocated for adequate redress for losses caused by wildlife encroachment, including the destruction of crops, livestock attacks, and, in severe cases, fatalities. The newly launched initiative is designed to address these concerns, incorporating measures to deploy technology that minimises inefficiencies in processing claims and disbursing compensation.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano were among the key officials present at the event, signalling a unified front in addressing conservation-related matters and reinforcing the government’s commitment to coordinated action.