Speaking during a public address, the President questioned how some leaders expect to deliver quality public roads when they cannot even organise proper access roads to their own homes.
Ruto said infrastructure development is not just about making promises or launching projects, but about careful planning, coordination, and accountability.
He noted that roads play a critical role in economic growth, service delivery, and the daily lives of citizens, and therefore must be handled with responsibility and professionalism.
The President expressed concern that in many areas, roads are poorly designed, poorly maintained, or completely neglected, despite huge budgets being allocated for infrastructure.
He argued that such failures often point to weak leadership and misuse of public resources.
Using a practical example, Ruto challenged leaders to reflect on their own surroundings.
He said if a leader cannot ensure there is a proper road leading to their own residence, it raises serious doubts about their commitment and capacity to serve the public.
According to him, leadership should be demonstrated through action, not speeches.
The remarks come amid growing public frustration over the state of roads in both urban and rural areas.
Many Kenyans have complained about damaged roads, poor drainage, and stalled projects that make transport difficult, especially during the rainy season.
Traders, motorists, and residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the high cost of vehicle repairs and lost business due to bad roads.
Ruto called on leaders at all levels of government to take responsibility and ensure that infrastructure projects are well planned and completed on time.
He urged them to work closely with engineers, planners, and local communities to ensure roads meet required standards and serve their intended purpose.