President William Ruto has announced a series of multi-billion-shilling development projects for Baringo County following a political agreement with KANU Chairman Gideon Moi. The deal, confirmed during a presidential tour of the county on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, involves Mr. Moi withdrawing from the upcoming Baringo senatorial by-election in exchange for significant national government investment in the region.

The agreement is being framed by the presidency as a landmark moment of unity for the Rift Valley, aimed at accelerating development in a county long hampered by insecurity and neglected infrastructure. Speaking in Marigat, President Ruto stated, “I asked Mr Moi to step down so that we can unite for a common cause, and he agreed. We have entered into a pact and have good plans for him.” This rapprochement follows a series of high-level meetings, including at State House on October 9 and Mr. Moi's Kabarak home on October 10, 2025, which cemented the cooperation.

Reviving Stalled Projects and Launching New Ones

Central to the pact is the revival and initiation of major infrastructure projects. President Ruto commissioned the resumption of the stalled KSh 2.8 billion Marigat–Mochongoi road, which began in 2018 but was later abandoned. He announced that a new contractor is now on site. Other key road networks slated for completion include the Tenges–Kapkayo, Kamukunji–Kisanana–Mugurin–Lake Bogoria, Kipsaraman–Kinyach, and the 81km Kasoyo–Riwo–Seretunin–Talai–Kipcherere–Kampi Samaki road, the latter costing KSh 207 million.

Beyond roads, the development package includes a wide array of investments aimed at urban development and improving public services:

• Affordable Housing: The President laid the foundation stone for a 382-unit affordable housing project in Marigat and announced plans for an additional 2,000 units in Kabarnet town.
• Public University: Preparations are underway to establish the first public university in Kabarnet, with President Ruto vowing to personally lay the foundation stone. The Ministry of Lands and Housing is tasked with building hostels for the first 1,000 students.
• Economic Infrastructure: A modern market will be constructed in Marigat at a cost of over KSh 200 million. Additionally, KSh 900 million has been allocated for a new stadium in Kabarnet, with assistance from the Kenya Defence Forces.
• Utilities: The government has allocated KSh 1.4 billion to connect 15,000 households in the county to electricity.

Political Implications for the Rift Valley

The deal marks a significant political reconciliation between President Ruto and Gideon Moi, two long-time rivals for political supremacy in the Rift Valley. Mr. Moi, who lost his senatorial seat in the 2022 general election, was poised for a political comeback in the by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025. His withdrawal paves the way for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Vincent Chemitei, whom the President endorsed during his tour.

Analysts suggest the pact fits into President Ruto's strategy of building a broad-based government to consolidate national stability ahead of the 2027 elections. For Mr. Moi, the agreement secures substantial development for his home county while potentially positioning him and his allies for roles within the national government. KANU Secretary-General George Wainaina confirmed the ongoing cooperation, stating that technical teams are finalizing the details of the partnership, which he described as being based on national unity.

Addressing Insecurity

Alongside the development announcements, President Ruto issued a stern warning on the persistent issue of banditry and cattle rustling that has plagued Baringo and the wider North Rift region. During his tour, he ordered civilians to surrender all illegal firearms immediately, warning of dire consequences for non-compliance. Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, also present, noted that of 602 illegal firearms recently recovered in the Kerio Valley, 120 were from Baringo County. The President vowed to end the “retrogressive practices” that have hindered development and cost lives for decades, linking the success of the new projects to the restoration of security and stability.