Kenyan newspapers on Tuesday, November 18, discussed various topics, with politics dominating the pages. President William Ruto is said to be stronger in the 2027 presidential poll, as his numbers look good.
Source: UGC
Elsewhere, the government is counting on the discipline and quality of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to deliver a new KSh 50 billion hospital in Eldoret.
1. The Standard
The newspaper reported on a KSh 50 billion project expected to take place in Eldoret managed by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF). It is the new Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
The facility with 4,000 special beds was inaugurated yesterday in an area of 200 acres in Kiplombe, Eldoret. The hospital will surpass the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in capacity. According to the Ministry of Health, the first phase targets a capacity of 2,000 beds and will take 18 months to complete. The expanded hospital will employ 600 more health workers, including specialists, to perform organ transplants and surgical procedures that are not currently available in Kenya.
The first phase of the project will use KSh 25 billion, although the plan was scheduled to start in 2014. Aden Duale said KDF engineers and architects will do the work. He noted that the army delivers projects on time because it works under orders and instructions. He added that the Commander in Chief has instructed them to complete the hospital within 18 months.
Duale said the army has been instructed to ensure that the Chinese contractor hands over the project to his ministry by April 2027. After completion, the new MTRH will be the largest referral and training hospital in East and Central Africa. It will also serve as a regional center for research and treatment of chronic diseases such as hypertension, kidney disease, and cancer.
Duale said the innovation of this important referral center shows the commitment of the government to ensure that the old project is fulfilled despite the challenges of the past. He emphasized that the hospital will meet the growing needs for training and health research. It will integrate the Moi University School of Health Sciences, the University of Eldoret’s science department, the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
He added that once it starts working, the hospital will stand as an example of integrated care. It will provide state-of-the-art services in radiology, oncology, trauma, transplantation, rehabilitation, and reproductive health. It is part of a broader strategy to expand the capacity of advanced and professional healthcare to meet the growing needs in Kenya and across the region.
2. The Star
The newspaper highlighted President William Ruto’s strength in the numbers, suggesting that he would easily contest in 2027. According to the newspaper, Ruto could win a narrow victory over the United Opposition in the 2027 presidential race if he is able to capture the long-standing political strongholds of Raila Odinga.
Research conducted by this newspaper shows that Ruto controls about 24 counties with 9.22 million registered voters. The opposition leads 15 counties with 8.43 million voters. Eight other counties with 4.44 million voters are emerging as key battlegrounds.
Observers warn that these figures may change as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) targets 6.8 million new voters through mass registration. Pop-up systems can dramatically change the competition. They also note that traditional voting blocs may weaken in 2027 due to the rise of politically radical youth.
The constitution requires the winning candidate to get at least 25% of the vote in 24 counties and a total majority of 50% plus one.
Ruto is expected to dominate the Rift Valley, repeating his performance in 2022. The North and South counties of the Rift Valley — West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Kericho, Bomet, and Nandi — together have 2.4 million voters.
He is also targeting Raila’s traditional strongholds in Coastal and Western Kenya. On the coast, Ruto relies on the influence of former governors Hassan Joho, Salim Mvurya, and Amason Kingi, who now hold senior positions in government. They are expected to rule Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Tana River. Lamu and Taita Taveta, which have large Kikuyu and Kamba populations, remain competitive.
In Western Kenya, Ruto is looking for success in Kakamega, Vihiga, and Busia. Trans Nzoia and Bungoma could be difficult due to the growing influence of Governor George Natembeya and the presence of the opposition leader Eugene Malwa.
Ruto is also likely to retain support in the North East in the areas of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, which together have 623,261 voters. With Raila’s help, he could get the Maa counties of Narok and Samburu, as well as Turkana.
The opposition is heavily dependent on Gusii, Ukambani, and Mount Kenya counties, which have 8.43 million voters. 960,293 Gusii voters across Kisii and Nyamira remain under the influence of Fred Matiang’i. 1.69 million Ukambani voters in Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos support the Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Mount Kenya, with 5.77 million voters, is largely associated with Rigathi Gachaguawho has vowed to end Ruto’s presidency after one term. Ruto still enjoys the support of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and several MPs.
The fiercest competition is expected in the eight swing counties: Nairobi, Kajiado, Isiolo, Marsabit, Taita Taveta, Lamu, Trans Nzoia, and Bungoma. Nairobi County, which is the most populous, is leaning towards Raila. Kajiado’s various voters are still unpredictable.
3. Daily Nation
4. Nation Today
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