By Murugi Ndwiga
Traders of Toi Market in Kibera constituency have every reason to smile hours after President William Ruto visited the area.
Speaking at the DC grounds in his development tour across Nairobi County, the head of state disclosed that he is aware that there have been endless fire outbreaks at the Toi Market that have led traders to incur huge losses year in year out, something he said has to come to an end.
President Ruto has said that he has already directed the Ministry of Housing to work together with the County government of Nairobi to ensure this project has started with immediate effect.
In the upgrade programme of the Toi Market, the President has said, there will be, improved infrastructure, enhanced security and improved fire fighting equipment to ensure traders who solely depend on the market, no longer incur losses as a result of fire outbreaks.
Ruto has also reversed his earlier decision of charging Kenyans money to acquire new identity cards for new applicants and money to replace lost IDs. In this regard, the President has directed that Kenyans at the age of 18 years will now be acquiring National Identity Cards for free.
Further the head of state has disclosed that plans are underway to upgrade the Jamhuri stadium which he has said will be holding international matches including the Africa Cup of Nation and has further said that the stadium will be upgraded to international standards.
Ruto has also vowed to ensure that learning in the country including in slum areas continues as usual vowing to work closely with county governments including Nairobi county to ensure all learners are in school.
The Head of State, on a lighter note, made fun of the increasing nicknames Kenyans are giving him adding that the nicknames are too many.
“Wacheni niwaulize, Si mtaniuwa na majina?
“Mimi Niko na majina tatu, William Samoei Kipchirchir Ruto. Sasa hii majina ingine mnanipea, mlianza na Hustler, mkaenda kwa Survivor, tena mkaniita Zakayo, mkaenda kwa Kasongo na Sasa naskia mmenipea jina ingine, sijui Chapo…”
During his visit, Ruto was accompanied by energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi who has said that the current power shortages experienced in Kibera and the surrounding environments will come to an end and directed his ministry to commence with immediate effect, plans to fully restore electricity in Kibera.
Other dignitaries who accompanied the head of State were, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Kibera Member of Parliament, Peter Orero, Lang’ata Member of Parliament, Phelix Odiwuor also known as “Jalang’o”,Dagorreti Member if Parliament John Kiarie, nominated Nairobi Senator Karen Nyamu among others.
President Ruto opened the Kibera TVET during the tour.