NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has criticised the dress code of senior officials, including Johnson Sakaja, during a high-level State House event, underscoring the importance of decorum at official engagements.
Speaking on Friday, April 10, at State House during the signing of a lease agreement between Zaria Group and Kenya Railways Corporation, the president expressed concern over the appearance of some attendees.
Addressing the gathering, Ruto questioned whether some leaders fully appreciated the significance of the occasion.
“Distinguished partners, Zaria Group, ladies and gentlemen, looking at the people who have come for this occasion, including the governor of Nairobi, I was asking myself whether they are here by design or they were waylaid,” he remarked.
He went on to suggest that their attire did not reflect the seriousness of the event.
“The way they are dressed, they don’t look like they knew they were coming to State House. And I think next time, I’ll ask the people at the gate not to allow people dressed, especially when they are coming for a serious function like this,” he added.
Ruto stressed that official state functions require a level of formality that aligns with their national importance.
“Ngujiri I want to tell you that the manner of dress of these people has no indication about the seriousness of this occasion. We take this occasion very, very seriously,” he said.
Among those present were Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, and Chairperson of the Council of Economic Advisors David Ndii.
Major Nairobi development project
Despite the criticism, the event marked a significant step in the government’s urban transformation agenda.
President Ruto announced that the agreement will pave the way for the development of a modern arena and entertainment district in Nairobi’s central business district, forming part of the broader Nairobi Railway City Project.
“The construction of a modern arena and entertainment district in central Nairobi marks a significant milestone toward the realisation of the Nairobi Railway City Project,” he said.
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The president added that the project is expected to be completed within 12 months and could generate up to 25,000 jobs annually, boosting employment and economic activity.
“This development will position the capital’s CBD as a premier hub for sports, entertainment, culture, and commerce across East Africa and the world,” Ruto said.
The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to modernise infrastructure and enhance Kenya’s global competitiveness. Officials say the project complements other flagship developments, including Talanta Sports City and the proposed Bomas International Convention Complex.
Analysts note that such large-scale urban projects are increasingly being pursued through public-private partnerships, as governments seek to attract investment while accelerating infrastructure delivery.
