President William Ruto took a swipe at opposition leaders criticizing his administration, urging Kenyans to dismiss those he says lack any real agenda for the nation.
Speaking during the launch of the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, Ruto appealed for unity and support for his government’s transformation agenda, cautioning citizens not to be misled by what he described as “naysayers” and “negative voices.”
“I want to ask Kenyans to stand together and ignore the naysayers, those who are negative and people who have no plans for our country,” Ruto said.
“They have no manifesto, no vision, and no agenda for progress.”
The President reiterated that his government’s key priorities -food security, road infrastructure, healthcare, and affordable housing – are already delivering tangible results.
Ruto pointed to rising agricultural productivity and the government’s nearly Sh300 billion investment in road construction as proof of ongoing progress.
“Our transformation in food and security is happening. We are growing more food, we have more maize, sugar, coffee, tea… and we are elevating healthcare and building affordable houses,” he said, adding that Kenya was on track to silence its critics through development success.
On the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, President Ruto said that the project would transform daily commutes for thousands of locals, merchants, and tourists, offering passengers an affordable travel option at just Ksh50 for a round trip between the Mombasa SGR terminus at Miritini and Mombasa Central Railway Station.
He added that the new system would cut travel time, ease congestion, and be safer and more affordable than traveling by road.
“For too long, passengers commuting between Mombasa town and Miritini have endured congestion, delays and the burden of unreliable road traffic,” he said.
“With this new service, journeys will be faster, safer, and more predictable.”
The commuter rail with stops at Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, Mazeras, and Mombasa CBD will transport up to 4,000 passengers every day.
“This is about more than just improving how people move; it is about enhancing productivity, attracting investment, and making Mombasa a more liveable, accessible, and competitive city,” Ruto noted.
The President emphasized that the rail is both efficient and safe.
“With an average of 2.6 million passengers already using the Madaraka Express each year, this commuter link will boost passenger numbers, improve safety and save lives by reducing road carnage,” he said.
He added that besides enabling commutes in the local regions, the rail transport will reinforce Mombasa’s position as a tourist and business center and support Kenya’s position as a prime gateway to regional markets.
Ruto, who joined passengers onboard for the inaugural ride from Mombasa railway station to the New Miritini station, stressed that the commuter rail was designed with people at its core, offering a reliable, modern, and affordable transport system that will lift productivity across the coastal region.
“By serving vital routes, this service will decongest the city, enhance productivity, and make daily commuting easier for thousands of people. That is why today’s commissioning is a landmark occasion not just for Mombasa, but for the entire nation,” he said.
