During the Baringo Cultural Festival and Kimalel Goat Auction, President William Ruto affirmed that Kenya's transformation is "unstoppable" and inclusive, reiterating his commitment to socio-economic development and a bottom-up economic approach.

• The Kimalel Goat Auction, pioneering digital integration for the first time since 1992, is expected to see over 4,200 goats traded.
• President Ruto highlighted the Affordable Housing Programme, which has created over 500,000 jobs, and major infrastructure projects like the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City Stadium.
• The upcoming Bomas International Convention Complex, the largest in East and Central Africa, is set for completion by April 2026.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was absent from the Baringo Cultural Festival and the Kimalel Goat Auction on Monday, December 22, due to illness, with Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku representing him.

• CS Ruku conveyed Kindiki's greetings and commitment, assuring attendees the Deputy President sent "a lot of money to buy Christmas goats."
• The Deputy President was last seen publicly on December 19 at a KWS cadet passing-out parade, where he spoke on modernizing wildlife conservation with AI and drones.
• He emphasized the importance of wildlife to Kenya's economy and linked conservation reforms to the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aiming for five million visitors by 2027.

President William Ruto attended the annual Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County, an event that blends cultural celebration with significant trade for pastoral communities ahead of the festive season. This year marks a historic digitalization of the auction, allowing remote participation for the first time.

• Over 9,000 goats are expected to be traded at the event.
• The auction, pioneered in 1992 by the late President Daniel arap Moi, aims to uplift livestock-keeping communities.
• For the first time since its inception, the auction has integrated digital technology, enabling buyers to participate remotely.