As President William Ruto prepares to visit Elgeyo Marakwet on Saturday, July 12, 2025, residents of the region are holding onto fresh hope that long-standing challenges, especially the stalled revival of the Kenya Fluorspar Mining Company, will finally be addressed.

For many, the President’s presence offers more than a political engagement; it is a chance to restore lost livelihoods, recover land compensation, and breathe life back into a community battered by years of economic hardship.

The shutdown of the Kenya Fluorspar Mining Company five years ago brought more than silence to the once-busy Kimwarer area, it robbed over 3,000 workers of employment, cut off household incomes, and left families struggling to survive. Many of those displaced by the mining project say they are still waiting to be paid for land acquired by the company. For them, this visit by the head of state is personal.

“Families displaced to pave way for the factory are yet to be compensated. We hope the President will address this longstanding issue,” said Boaz Balyat, a resident of Simotwo in Keiyo South during a media briefing.

The affected families are asking for 3 million shillings per acre for the 921 acres they claim were taken from them when mining operations were at their peak. Fluorspar extracted from the area was transported by road to Flax Trading Centre before being moved to Mombasa by rail.

In addition to compensation, residents want to see the mining company revived, arguing that its return could provide much-needed jobs for the youth and restore the area’s economy. Community leaders have called on the President to push for urgent solutions.

“We want this visit to transform our community. Many of our youth have completed their studies but have no jobs. They need support to become self-reliant,” said Ruth Chepkok, a local women’s leader.

Chepkok added that the community had shown strong support for the current administration and now expected development in return. “We voted overwhelmingly for Kenya Kwanza and deserve equal development opportunities.”

The President is scheduled to preside over the ninth edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme at Simotwo High School on Saturday.

Residents are hopeful that beyond the ceremonial event, Ruto’s presence will help unlock stalled development projects in the area. Many pointed to the poor road conditions and lack of infrastructure as evidence that the region has been sidelined despite its loyalty during the last general election.

Youth leader Isaiah Chepyego urged the government to prioritize youth empowerment, especially through supporting small business ventures such as the boda boda sector.

He said the youth need structured cooperatives to help them grow economically and access better opportunities.

He also took a swipe at leaders who have already shifted focus to the next elections. “The President hasn’t even completed his first term. Let’s give him time to deliver on his promises. 2027 will be the time to evaluate his performance,” he said.

The President’s tour comes at a tense moment for the country, with his government facing rising public pressure after recent anti-government protests left over 20 people dead during the Saba Saba demonstrations. Against this backdrop, the visit to the North Rift could be a key opportunity for Ruto to reassure citizens that his administration is listening—and ready to act.