“For the Next Five Years We Will Fund It” Ruto Says While Promising KSh20 Million Annually for Ng’eno’s Artists Initiative

William Ruto has announced that the government will set aside KSh20 million every year for the next five years to continue programmes that were started by the late Johanna Ngeno to support artists.

The President made the announcement on Friday during the funeral service of the former Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament, who died in a helicopter crash together with four other people. 

The burial ceremony drew many leaders, residents, and family members who gathered to celebrate the life of the late lawmaker and remember the work he did for his community.

While addressing mourners, President Ruto praised Ng’eno for his commitment to helping young artists grow their talents and earn a living from their work.

He said the late MP had shown great passion in supporting creative people, especially in the Eldoret region, and that his efforts should not end with his death.

According to the President, the government will ensure that Ng’eno’s vision continues through a structured programme under the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage.

The initiative will focus on identifying talented artists, helping them organize their work, and giving them opportunities to grow in the creative industry.

Ruto explained that Ng’eno was deeply committed to the creative sector and often used his position to uplift artists who struggled to find support.

The President noted that even on the day of the accident, the late MP had travelled to assist artists who needed guidance and encouragement.

“Kwa sababu alifanya hiyo kazi ya artists kujitolea, hata kifo chake ametoka akiwa ameenda kusaidia artists kule Endebess, Ng’eno deserves recognition,” the President said while speaking at the funeral.

He added that the government had decided to support the initiative financially so that the programme could continue helping artists across the region.

“Kwa hivyo hiyo mpango ya kupanga artists, for the next five years tutatoa pesa KSh20 million kila mwaka kupanga kazi Ng’eno alikuwa anafanya.

It will be taken over by the Ministry responsible for Arts and we’re going to support the effort our brother and leader did,” he stated.

The announcement was welcomed by many mourners who said the move would ensure that Ng’eno’s legacy lives on through the artists he supported.

Community leaders said the late MP believed that music, art, and other creative activities could help young people find opportunities and avoid social challenges such as unemployment.

Artists who benefited from Ng’eno’s programmes in the past also expressed gratitude for the government’s promise to continue the initiative.

They described the late MP as a leader who believed in their talent and worked hard to create platforms where they could showcase their skills.