Deputy President William Ruto yesterday said he was still repaying a loan for the construction of the controversial Weston Hotel.

Ruto sent the crowd into laughter after he was requested to take one of the 30 floors of Moi University Pension Scheme’s MUPs Plaza and develop it.

The DP responded: “You have offered that I should look for some money to buy a stake here but am sure you are aware that I am still paying the loan that I took to build Weston Hotel.”

Weston Hotel off Lang'ata Road, Nairobi. The Deputy President said he is still paying the loan that he took to build it. (PHOTO: COURTESY) 

Speaking after laying the foundation stone at MUPS Plaza in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Ruto lauded the spirit of all the stakeholders who participated in ensuring the growth of Eldoret town.

While emphasising the spirit of investment, he urged residents and investors to take advantage of the investment opportunities around the country to make Kenya a better place.

The DP cited the upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) as an example that there is a good investment environment in Kenya.

“GES demonstrates that Kenya is open for business. Kenya is going places, despite the negative things being talked about. US president Barack Obama has painted a different picture of Kenya. The world is seeing a different face of Kenya, one that is safe for investment,” he said.

Exploit opportunities

He urged local leaders to be at the forefront in exploiting available opportunities to help develop the area.

“It’s not a must that an investor should be foreign or white but rather people with an idea of bringing development to this country,” said Ruto.

He urged international entrepreneurs to come and invest in Kenya and advised locals to be on the lookout for investment opportunities and tap them to ensure economic growth and development.

“The Jubilee government is on a serious transformation agenda for this country and there is no room for mismanagement of public resources and those found culpable will be dealt with appropriately,” he said. Uasin Gishu County governor Jackson Mandago called for investment in conference facilities.