President William Ruto’s ongoing five-day development tour of the Western Kenya region continues to make significant strides, with a focus on infrastructure projects, economic revival, and national unity. The President’s visit, which began on Monday, is a part of his broader plan to boost the economic profile of Western Kenya, an area long associated with challenges in the agricultural and infrastructural sectors.
On Tuesday, President Ruto will chair a crucial Cabinet meeting at Kakamega State Lodge, a key strategic point in the President’s itinerary. Following this, he will visit various projects aimed at improving local livelihoods. One of the major highlights from Monday’s activities was the historic handing over of a Sh150 million bonus to sugar cane farmers allied to Mumia Sugar. This marks the first-ever bonus payment to sugarcane farmers in Kenya, signaling a promising rebirth of the sugarcane sector, which has long been the backbone of Western Kenya’s economy. The payment is seen as a major step towards revitalizing the region’s agriculture, providing much-needed support to farmers who have faced financial hardships in recent years.
The President also addressed a mixed political landscape in the region following the merger of his UDA party with Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC party. While some local leaders expressed reservations, the majority affirmed their commitment to collaborating with the government for the region’s development. President Ruto, in his address, underscored the importance of unity, emphasizing that Kenya’s progress depends on working together for the common good. “We can only move forward when we are united. Kenya has no room for retrogressive leaders whose sole agenda is to divide it along regional or tribal lines,” he stated, reinforcing his message of national cohesion.
The President’s itinerary includes several other significant events throughout the week. On Tuesday afternoon, he will launch the last-mile electricity connectivity project in Shinyalu Constituency, a vital step in ensuring rural communities have access to reliable power. This is part of his broader efforts to bring electricity to underserved areas across the country.
On Wednesday, President Ruto will visit Busia County to launch the Lower Nzoia Water project, which aims to provide water to thousands of residents in the region. He will also assess the progress of the Luanda Market construction in Vihiga County and visit the Hon Aseka Hospital in Kakamega.
Thursday will see him in Busia to inspect the Allupe Dam project, followed by the commissioning of electricity connectivity at Nambale Junction. He will then head to Bungoma County for the final stage of the electricity project in Kimilili and Webuye.
The President’s tour concludes on Friday, with his inspection of the Chekule Market in Bungoma and Bumula Market in Busia, rounding out a week focused on energizing the local economies and ensuring the long-term prosperity of Western Kenya.
