President William Ruto has intensified his development engagements in the Gusii region, turning his focus on infrastructure delivery, job creation projects and defending key government programmes during his visit across Kisii and Nyamira counties.
The President, who is on a multi-day tour of the region, used the visit to announce and inspect a wide range of projects, with the Sh1 billion upgrade of Gusii Stadium emerging as one of the major highlights. The facility is set to be transformed into a 14,000-seater stadium with a FIFA-standard pitch, VIP section and covered terraces, a move expected to create employment opportunities for local residents.
Ruto said the ongoing projects reflect the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which aims at expanding opportunities, improving services and strengthening household incomes.
“We are committed to transforming the region through programmes and projects that address key challenges, uplift lives, expand opportunities and drive sustainable development for all,” he said on Monday.
The tour has seen the President oversee groundbreakings, inspections and commissioning of several projects spread across the two counties.
In Kisii County, Ruto is expected to lay foundation stones for the Mogonga ESP Market, Nyamache KMTC, Kisii University hostels and Keroka Technical Training Institute. He will also inspect the Kisii Cancer Centre, launch last-mile electricity works in Ibeno and break ground for the Keumbu–Ibeno road.
In Nyamira County, he is set to launch the Ikonge ESP Market and KMTC Nyamira, inspect a tuition block at Nyamira University, and oversee the start of the Nyamira last-mile water supply project and the Bobaracho–Manyasi–Tinga road. He is also expected to commission the Kegogi ESP Market.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati welcomed the projects, saying they are expected to open up economic activity and improve livelihoods for residents, especially traders and young people.
“These projects will open up the region for investment and improve livelihoods, especially for young people and small businesses,” Arati said.
The President also used the tour to highlight national programmes under BETA, including agriculture, housing, healthcare and support for small enterprises.
He said the fertiliser subsidy programme has reduced the price of a bag from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500, with millions of farmers accessing inputs through an e-voucher system. He added that the initiative is expected to boost food production across the country.
On health, Ruto pointed to reforms under Taifa Care, saying millions of Kenyans have already registered under the Social Health Authority to access affordable medical services.
He further said coverage has been expanded to include cancer treatment, dialysis and intensive care, aimed at easing financial pressure on households.
On housing, the President said the Affordable Housing Programme has generated thousands of jobs while providing low-cost housing options for citizens, including those in informal settlements.
He also noted that micro, small and medium enterprises continue to benefit from the Hustler Fund and other youth-focused programmes designed to expand access to credit and economic opportunities.
The President was accompanied by senior government officials, Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, alongside local leaders and Members of Parliament from the region.
During the tour, Ruto also defended ongoing railway development works in Nyamira County, dismissing claims questioning the existence of a railway station in Ikonge.
Speaking in Ikonge, he said critics spreading such claims were misleading residents.
“Someone came here spreading propaganda, saying there is no railway station here in Ikonge. Now I want to ask you, the people of Ikonge—this person who came to tell you this, he has not even built a tarmac road leading to his rural home—what does he know about railway matters?” the President asked.
“Let those people keep quiet. I am the one who has pushed the railway from Naivasha, and right here in Ikonge I am building a major station worth 300 million shillings that will help transport both passengers and goods,” he said.
Ruto said the railway project will improve transport of goods and passengers and boost business activity in the region, insisting that his administration remains focused on delivery of tangible projects.
Deputy President Kindiki echoed the President’s remarks, saying some opposition leaders had previously held senior government positions but had little to show in terms of development achievements.
Other planned projects in Nyamira include the laying of the foundation stone for Nyamira KMTC, the Nyamira last-mile water supply project and works at Nyamira Comprehensive School.
Later in the day, the President is expected to launch the Bobaracho/Kegogi/Nyakoe roads in Kitutu Chache North and South constituencies, launch the Bobaracho–Manyasi–Tinga road, lay the foundation stone for Kegogi ESP market, inspect Nyakoe ESP Market and hold a public address and dinner with boda boda riders at Kisii State Lodge.