President William Ruto on Sunday moved to boost football in the Gusii region after handing FKF Premier League side Shabana FC a Sh27 million team bus and Sh20 million in support, while at the same time launching the long-awaited upgrade of Gusii Stadium in Kisii County.
The bus, described as ultra-modern, is expected to ease the club’s travel to league matches and other competitions across the country. The additional Sh20 million will go towards helping the team secure and manage match venues during its current transition period.
Addressing residents and stakeholders during the event, the President said the government is focused on growing sports by improving facilities and giving local teams the support they need to compete effectively.
He also officially flagged off the expansion and modernisation of Gusii Stadium, a key sports facility in the region. The project will see improvements to infrastructure, an increase in seating capacity and better amenities for players and fans, with the aim of raising the stadium to required national and international standards.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati and other leaders present welcomed the move, saying it will revitalise football in a region known for its strong support base and rich sporting history.
The event marked the start of the President’s four-day visit to Kisii and Nyamira counties, where he is expected to roll out a series of development projects while also engaging residents and leaders.
During the tour, Ruto is set to visit most of the constituencies across the two counties to launch new initiatives, inspect those already underway and address public gatherings.
Key projects on his itinerary include the construction of a Cancer Centre, inspection of the Suneka Airstrip in Bonchari and the ongoing works at Kiabonyoru University in North Mugirango. Several road projects across the region are also lined up for launch.
The President will also host community leaders later on Sunday at the Kisii State Lodge.
On Monday, he is expected in Ikonge, Nyamira, where he will preside over the launch of a modern market project. The visit comes amid growing concern among residents over claims that the region has been excluded from the Narok-Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway phase.
Despite earlier indications that Nyamira would benefit from a passenger station alongside Narok, Bomet, Kericho and Kisumu, a recently unveiled route plan showed the railway will not pass through Ikonge.
“We are here to ensure a smooth tour by the president. I am urging you to support him and prioritise development. The President will launch several projects and inspect others that are ongoing,” Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba said on Friday in Nyamira ahead of the visit.
