Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has taken credit for inspiring the nationwide economic empowerment forums currently championed by President William Ruto, saying the idea was born in Kajiado when empowerment was still “just a dream.”

In a statement on his X account on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Olekina referenced the Nairobi Empowerment Forum held at State House earlier that day, expressing pride that the initiative had gained national momentum and was changing lives.

“I am proud to see President Ruto’s empowerment program flourish nationwide a journey I boldly began in Kajiado when empowerment was just a dream. Today, it’s heartening to see others walk this path I cleared,” he wrote.

The senator backed the forums, describing them as a tool to not only uplift communities but also reduce congestion in Nairobi by equipping young people to thrive in rural areas.

“The time is now: let’s decongest Nairobi and end rural-urban migration by equipping our youth to return home and spark real change. Sewing machines, boda bodas, water tanks, and generators aren’t just tools they are engines of transformation for our rural economies. Let’s build Kenya from the grassroots up,” he added.

His remarks came as President Ruto presided over the distribution of assorted business equipment to youth and community groups in Nairobi.

Items handed out included 300 motorcycles for boda boda groups, public address systems, salon and catering equipment, laundry machines, car wash units, sewing machines, maize milling machines, welding and carpentry tools, garage gear, tents, chairs, and water tanks.

The event, attended by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Woman Representative Esther Passaris, nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, and a host of Nairobi MPs, targeted young entrepreneurs across the city.

Defending his decision to host the event at State House, President Ruto dismissed claims that he had lowered the institution’s prestige.

“This house on the hill belongs to all Kenyans. Inviting ordinary citizens here is not lowering its standards it is raising them,” he said, noting that in the past, State House dinners were reserved for royalty, but under his leadership, the doors were open to the common mwananchi as part of a citizen-focused agenda.