President William Ruto intensified his administration’s development agenda at the Coast through a five-day tour of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita Taveta counties in May 2026, unveiling a wide range of infrastructure, land reform, electricity, housing, market, and blue economy projects. The tour underscored the Kenya Kwanza administration’s broader commitment to equitable development and inclusive economic transformation, particularly in historically marginalized coastal communities that have long struggled with land injustices, inadequate infrastructure, and limited investment opportunities.
A major highlight of the tour was the government’s accelerated programme for issuance of title deeds aimed at resolving decades-old squatter disputes and historical land ownership conflicts that have hindered economic growth in the Coast region. During an event at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa, President Ruto issued more than 33,000 title deeds to residents drawn from Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita Taveta counties. The parcels included areas such as Kilifi/Weru Ranch, Mwele Simakeni, and Msabaha, among others.
The President further announced that the government was preparing to issue an additional 200,000 title deeds across the Coast region in an ambitious effort to permanently resolve land insecurity and restore dignity to thousands of families. According to the administration, secure land ownership is expected to unlock economic opportunities, attract private investment, improve urban planning, and reduce poverty levels by enabling residents to access credit and undertake long-term development projects on legally recognized land.
Road infrastructure development also dominated the tour, with the government prioritizing connectivity projects aimed at boosting trade, tourism, mobility, and regional integration. In Kwale County, the President inspected the ongoing construction of the Kwale-Kinango road, while in Lamu County he presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the A7 Junction Safirisi–Ndeu road in Lamu West. The projects are expected to improve movement of goods and people while opening up remote areas for economic activities.
In Kilifi County, President Ruto launched and inspected several road projects including the Tezo-Kakanjuni road in Kilifi North and the Mjanaheri–Ngomeni road in Magarini. The national government also reiterated its commitment to the long-awaited dualing of the Mombasa-Malindi and Mombasa-Lunga Lunga highways, projects viewed as critical for enhancing transport efficiency and strengthening economic integration across the Coast region and neighboring countries.
Modern markets formed another key pillar of the President’s development tour as the government seeks to modernize informal trade and improve livelihoods for small-scale traders. In Kwale County, the President officially handed over the completed Diani Modern Market in Msambweni Constituency and laid foundation stones for additional markets in Kinango and Lunga Lunga. In Mombasa County, groundwork was launched for the Makupa Modern Market in Nyali, while Kilifi County witnessed the launch of the Mkuluni Modern Market in Ganze Constituency.
The administration also continued investing heavily in the blue economy and fisheries sector as part of efforts to maximize the Coast region’s maritime potential. In Lamu East, President Ruto commissioned the completed Kizingitini Fish Market and inspected the Hindi Modern Market in Lamu West. The projects are expected to support fisherfolk by improving fish handling, storage, and market access while strengthening local marine-based economies. Additional support included grants and fishing boats issued to fishing groups in Malindi to stimulate employment and increase economic productivity in coastal communities.
Electricity connectivity projects aimed at improving access to power for households and businesses were also unveiled during the tour. In Kwale County, last-mile electricity projects worth billions of shillings were launched in Kinango, Lunga Lunga, and Diani, targeting approximately 15,000 households across the region. The projects included significant allocations such as KSh119 million in Diani and KSh362 million in Ngathini, underscoring the government’s broader rural electrification agenda designed to spur business growth and improve living standards.
Kilifi County also benefited from multiple electricity projects, including initiatives in Mjanaheri, Ganze, Mariakani, and Malindi town, alongside the commissioning of the completed Mariakani Power Sub-Station. Similar connectivity projects were launched in Hindi, Lamu West, as the government intensified efforts to ensure more coastal residents access reliable electricity for domestic and commercial use. The administration argues that electricity expansion remains critical for industrialization, job creation, and improved delivery of public services.
Affordable housing and urban development projects equally featured prominently during the President’s engagements. In Mombasa, the Head of State inspected progress at the Nyali Voice of Kenya affordable housing project, while in Tana River County he presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Minjila Affordable Housing Project in Garsen. The housing projects are part of the national affordable housing programme which the Kenya Kwanza administration says is simultaneously addressing the housing deficit while generating employment opportunities for youth and local contractors.
Education and skills development projects were also prioritized as part of efforts to strengthen human capital in the Coast region. In Kilifi, the President launched the construction of student hostels at Pwani University under a KSh710 million project and also highlighted plans for a modern 10,000-seater stadium in Kilifi Town. In Kwale County, student hostels at Lunga Lunga Technical and Vocational College were launched, while in Tana River County the government laid the foundation stone for the first-ever Garsen Teachers Training College, expected to expand access to teacher education in marginalized areas.
Beyond infrastructure and economic development, the President’s tour also touched on security and political inclusivity. In Lamu County, President Ruto pledged continued government support in combating Al-Shabaab threats and improving regional security to protect residents and investments. Overall, the Coast development tour projected the Kenya Kwanza administration’s message of inclusive national growth through coordinated investments in roads, electricity, markets, housing, fisheries, education, and land reforms, with the government maintaining that no region will be left behind in the country’s transformation agenda.
