Ruto said the continued underutilisation of economic resources in the Coast region was no longer acceptable, particularly at a time when residents were seeking jobs, investment and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
“We will find a new and responsible investor for the sugar factory in Ramisi in Msambweni Constituency, Kwale County,” Ruto said.
“It is no longer acceptable for the resources and potential of the region to remain woefully underutilised while residents yearn for jobs, investment and opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” he added.
Ramisi sugar factory revival
The President’s remarks come as renewed efforts are underway to revive sugar processing and sugarcane farming in Kwale.
The modern Kwale International Sugar Company Limited (KISCOL) was established in Msambweni in 2007 on the site of the former Ramisi Sugar Factory, which was originally established in 1927. KISCOL has a sugar mill, a large nucleus estate and an outgrower network that have made the investment strategically important to the Coast's agricultural economy.
The company has, however, faced operational, financial and land-related challenges over the years.
In 2026, the government announced the formation of a multi-stakeholder committee led by the Kenya Sugar Board to help address challenges affecting the revival of KISCOL. The committee brings together national and county government representatives, investors, farmers, security agencies and local leaders.
The revival of the sugar industry in Kwale is significant for farmers and businesses that depend on the sugar value chain, including cane growers, transporters, traders and other service providers.
KISCOL also has the capacity for value addition, including electricity generation from bagasse and other potential downstream activities, according to government information.
Ruto inspects KSh1.2 billion Funzi road project
During his tour of Msambweni, Ruto also inspected the progress of the Milalani-Munje-Funzi Island road and Funzi Causeway project.
The project is being implemented at a cost of KSh1.2 billion.
The road and causeway are expected to improve connectivity for residents of Msambweni and Funzi Island while facilitating the movement of people, goods and services.
Improved transport infrastructure is also expected to support economic activity in areas that have historically faced connectivity challenges.
20,000 Kwale households targeted for electricity
Ruto also launched the Msambweni Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project as the government steps up efforts to expand electricity access in Kwale County.
The project targets connecting 20,000 households to electricity by the end of the year.
The administration has increasingly linked electricity connectivity to economic development, with access to power expected to support households, businesses and other economic activities.
The Msambweni project therefore forms part of a wider push to improve basic infrastructure while creating conditions for investment and job creation in the county.
Ruto's wider Kwale development agenda
The latest projects come amid increased government activity in Kwale and the wider Coast region.
On Monday, September 28, 2026, the government announced the issuance of 26,000 title deeds to residents of Lunga Lunga, with the State Department for Lands saying the wider programme covers beneficiaries across Lunga Lunga, Msambweni and Kinango constituencies.
For Msambweni residents, the combination of sugar industry revival efforts, road construction, electricity connectivity and land reforms is expected to shape the county's economic development in the coming months.
Ruto's promise to seek a new investor for the Ramisi sugar operation now puts renewed focus on the future of one of the Coast's historic sugar-producing areas and whether a sustainable investment model can restore large-scale agricultural production and employment in the region.
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