President William Ruto has pledged to ensure equitable and inclusive development across all regions of the country as he concluded his four-day working tour of Western Kenya counties on Sunday.
Speaking during a church service at the African Divine Church (ADC) in Gamalenga, Hamisi Constituency, Vihiga County, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uplifting counties that have lagged behind in national development.
“Vihiga has lagged in national development for long, and working with your leaders, we will transform this county,” President Ruto said.
He was accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Vihiga Governor Wilbur Otichillo, Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives) and Deborah Barasa (Environment), Members of Parliament, and Members of County Assembly.
The President outlined a raft of projects his administration is implementing in Vihiga County aimed at improving living standards and spurring local economic growth.
On electricity connectivity, he announced that KSh1 billion has been allocated to connect 15,000 households to the national grid by June 2026.
In sports infrastructure, the government has set aside KSh900 million for the construction of a new stadium at Kidundu, with works scheduled to begin in January 2026.
“Just as we completed the stadium in Kitui within six months, we shall complete yours within the same timeframe,” he said.
Ruto also revealed plans to build 10,000 affordable housing units in the county. The State Department for Housing, he said, has already advertised for the construction of the first 1,000 units each in Hamisi, Majengo, Mbale, Luanda, and Chavakali.
He said the housing programme is particularly critical for Vihiga due to high population density and land fragmentation.
“If there is a county in need of affordable housing, it is Vihiga. If we continue sub-dividing land, we won’t have enough land to grow food in the near future,” he noted.
The President further disclosed that the government will construct 10 modern markets at a cost of Sh2 billion to support traders and create a dignified working environment.
On Saturday, Ruto launched the construction of a 340-bed student hostel at Ebukanga Technical and Vocational College and the 33km Shamakokho–Kaimosi–Mpaka–Mululu–Museno–Malinya road connecting Vihiga and Kakamega counties.
He announced that 266,000 of Vihiga’s 589,000 residents have already registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and urged more to sign up for access to affordable healthcare.
Calling on legislators to back the proposed National Infrastructure Fund, Ruto said it will provide sustainable financing for major development projects.
Rejecting claims of economic decline, the President said Kenya is on a path to transformation.
“We have what it takes to take Kenya from a Third World country to a First World nation in our lifetime,” he said.
“Shame on you. Kenya is not a failed nation. We believe in God, we believe in ourselves, and we will prosper.”
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged Western Kenya residents to rally behind the President, saying continued unity would ensure sustained development.
During the service, President Ruto fulfilled his promise to gift Archbishop John Chabuga of ADC with a vehicle to support his pastoral duties.
The Archbishop urged Kenyans to register for SHA, acquire national identity cards, and participate in the 2027 General Election.
