Sh46 billion development pledge: Inside Ruto's four-day Western tour

President William Ruto on Sunday concluded the four-day development tour of the Western region with a basket of goodies to transform the region. Ruto pledged to deliver Sh46 billion worth of projects aimed at consolidating support to inherit a region that was for long commanded by former ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The President said he will continue pursuing affirmative action policies to support regions of the country that have lagged behind in national development.

Speaking during a church service at the African Divine Church (ADC) at Gamalenga in Hamisi, Vihiga County, the Head of State said: "Vihiga has lagged behind in national development for long, and working with your leaders, we will transform this county."

President Ruto outlined some of the projects the government is undertaking in Vihiga to raise living standards in the county, among them electricity connection to 15,000 homesteads, and construction of the Kidundu Stadium. 

"Just as we completed the stadium in Kitui within six months, we shall complete yours within the same timeframe," he said.

Further, Dr Ruto promised that his administration will build 10,000 affordable housing units in the county, disclosing that the State Department of Housing has already advertised the first 1,000 units each in Hamisi, Majengo, Mbale, Luanda and Chavakali.

"If there is a county in need of affordable housing, it is Vihiga because of land fragmentation. If we continue sub-dividing land, we won't have enough land to grow food in the near future," he said.

Additionally, the President said the government is also building 10 fresh produce markets at a cost of Sh2 billion to provide traders with a dignified working environment.

On Saturday, the President launched the construction of 340-bed student hostel at Ebukanga Technical and Vocational College in Emuhaya.

He also launched the construction of the 33 kilometre Shamakokho-Kaimosi-Mpaka-Mululu-Museno-Malinya road connecting Vihiga and Kakamega counties.

He called on MPs to support the proposed National Infrastructure Fund, which will be tabled in Parliament soon, explaining the Fund will mobilise resources for critical infrastructure that will unlock Kenya's true potential.

He called on Kenyans to shun naysayers who predict doom about Kenya's future. "We have what it takes to move Kenya from a third world country to a first world nation in our lifetime," reiterated Dr Ruto. 

In Kakamega, the President, who earlier held a consultative meeting with grassroots leaders at the Kakamega State Lodge, said the massive investment targets infrastructure, housing, markets, and transport as part of the government’s plan to spur regional growth and job creation.

“We want to make sure that Western Kenya is as good as the rest of the country. It is not a must that one region has to miss for another to get but we can all get development in equal measures because we have enough to share,” said President Ruto.

Among the major projects unveiled in the county are Sh14 billion for affordable housing, Sh2.5 billion for a modern market, and Sh400 million for the rehabilitation and completion of the stalled Kakamega Airstrip, whose operations had ground to a halt after its runway deteriorated.

The President assured works at the airstrip project will soon resume, noting that once completed, it will ease movement between Nairobi and Kakamega, attract investors, and open up the region for trade and tourism.

“We have already allocated Sh400 million for the completion of the Kakamega Airstrip. Very soon, it will be functional to improve transport and support business in this region,” said Ruto.

Dr Ruto also allocated Sh1billion towards the completion of Kakamega Level Six Hospital, Sh150 million for equipping Butere Level Four Hospital, while Sh1.4 billion was allocated for the completion of Bukhungu Stadium and Sh1.5billion for the construction of the Gold Refinery Factory in Ikolomani.

The President also launched the Sh3.6 billion Turbo-Sikhendu road, which is a 34-kilometre tarmac road and Sh1.5billion for the construction the 33 kilometre Shamakhokho-Kaimosi-Mpaka-Mululu-Museno-Malinya road.

Dr Ruto further pledged that his administration has allocated Sh2.6 billion to connect 34,000 homesteads to electricity and Sh2 billion for students' hostels in higher learning institutions. 

In Busia, President Ruto announced that the Standard Gauge Railway would be extended from Naivasha to Malaba to connect Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, and the Central African Republic, easing the movement of goods and services and promoting trade.

“You will see me in December in Naivasha launching the extension works of the Standard Gauge Railway,” he said.

The Head of State launched and inspected construction progress of several affordable housing projects, modern fresh produce markets and students' hostels under construction. 

He also laid the foundation stone for a 340-bed capacity hostel at Bumbe National Polytechnic, Funyula constituency, an investment worth Sh154 million and promised Sh200 million towards completion of stalled lecturers' halls.

Additionally, he announced that the government is investing Sh18 billion to build 10,000 housing units, 14 markets, and hostels with a total capacity of 6,000 beds in the county.

At Alupe University in Matayos constituency, Dr Ruto inspected hostel facilities under construction at a cost of Sh1.17 billion. The project that will deliver 1,025 hostel beds complemented with amenities such as a student centre, swimming pool, and basketball court.

President Ruto said the government has embarked on an ambitious upgrade of hostel facilities across institutions of higher learning in Kenya, including universities and technical colleges.

In Amukura, Teso South, he laid the foundation stone for a 340-bed students' hostel at Kamunuoit Teachers Training College.

Furthermore, he said the government has allocated Sh1.3 billion to connect 15,000 households to electricity in the county.

He also promised that the government would build a stadium in Busia town at a cost of Sh900 million to nurture youth talent in the region.

In Teso North, he laid the foundation stone for the Sh350 million Malaba County Strategic Market, and also launched construction of the Busia ATC Complex Affordable Housing Project, which will comprise 1,025 units.