Ruto Directs KDF Deployment to Over 70 Regions

President William Ruto has directed the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to oversee the construction of 70 Level Four hospitals across the country.
Speaking in Narok on Thursday, September 11, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, who confirmed the directive, clarified that thedeployment of the military to execute the projectsdoes not mean that the Ministry of Defence will sideline other government agencies and county governments, but rather work with them to fast-track implementation.
According to the PS, the KDF has already been deployed in Siaya, Nairobi, Meru, and Kiambu, among others, to revive stalled hospital projects. Aside from hospitals, Mariru further stated that the Ministry of Defence will work jointly with the Ministry of Sports to also build stadiums across the country.
The Ministry of Defence will source labour from local communities to help with the projects, ensuring that they are also empowered.
“To deploy the KDF does not mean that we are replacing government agencies; we just want to reinforce our cooperation with the county governments, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Sports to ensure the faster implementation of these projects,” the PS stated.
On his part, Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntuntu claimed that the deployment of the military to complete the projects would be fundamental in ensuring equitable and timely infrastructure development in the country.
“The military has taken control, and you know that they are very serious and do not want the normal games that we have; they will finish the job within 11 months and then hand over the projects to the county government,” Ole Ntuntu stated.
The announcement by the PS comes three days after the Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya denied claims that the deployment of KDF to such projects would take away employment from locals. Tuya said KDF’s role was to supervise and ensure efficiency, quality, and timely completion.
“Let me be clear. When KDF supports these projects, they don’t take away jobs from our young people and women. The jobs remain here in Siaya,” said Tuya.
“KDF’s role is to offer technical support and supervision, ensuring efficiency, quick turnaround, and strict adherence to timelines,” she added.
Tuya revealed this on Monday, September 8, during the groundbreaking ceremony of two development projects in Siaya County, which the KDF will oversee. The projects include the upgrade of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and the expansion of the Siaya County Referral Hospital, valued at Ksh2.2 billion.
According to  Siaya Governor James Orengo, the projects will play a fundamental role inopening up the economic potential of the county, through critical sectors such as healthcare.