William Samoei Ruto

Built World

Announced a separate KES 30 billion Mzima Springs expansion

Kenya has proposed Sichuan Roads and Bridges Group, a Chinese state-owned builder, to finance and lay a 220-kilometre water pipeline from Mzima Springs in Taita Taveta County to Mazeras in Kilifi County. The line would carry 105,000 cubic metres a day to Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Taita Taveta under a 30-year build-operate-transfer deal valued at KES 50.6 billion.

Updated 2 days ago

Rule Changes

Ordered inspections of all public service vehicles after the crash

A church bus carrying mourners home to Mombasa hit a truck head-on near Mtito Andei on October 25, killing 24 people. The driver had been at the wheel for more than 16 hours without a relief driver, and survivors said pastors forced an immediate departure after the funeral.

Updated Nov 2

Built World

Backing the refinery; government to take a stake via the National Infrastructure Fund

Every liter of fuel burned in East Africa is imported. Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, broke ground Sept. 30 on a $16 billion refinery in Lamu, Kenya, that he says will end that dependence.

Updated Oct 18

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Issued directive to shut down foreign-run small businesses

Kenya began enforcing President William Ruto's directive to close small retail shops and hawking operations run by foreign nationals, effective September 7. Ruto announced the measure on September 2 at State House in Nairobi, saying petty trade and neighborhood retail should be reserved for Kenyan citizens while the country stays open to large-scale foreign investment.

Updated Sep 7

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: In office since September 2022

Kenya imports every drop of refined fuel it consumes. On the 15th of each month, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority sets maximum pump prices based on landed import costs and exchange rates to prevent price gouging while letting suppliers recover costs. In February 2026, that formula delivered a 2.3% cut in petrol prices, dropping a liter in Nairobi to 178.28 shillings (about $1.38).

Updated May 29

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: First head of state to sign an America First health compact

In 2025 the Trump administration dismantled the post-Cold War global health architecture by withdrawing from the WHO, freezing most foreign aid, and abolishing USAID's development role. Through its 'America First Global Health Strategy,' the administration created bilateral health compacts requiring partner governments to co-finance HIV, TB, malaria, and outbreak response programs and gradually assume full responsibility.

Updated May 10