NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has launched a series of infrastructure and development projects across Western Kenya, marking the start of a five-day tour focused on boosting regional connectivity, housing, and public services.
The President began the tour in Kakamega County, where he inspected the rehabilitation and expansion of Kakamega Airstrip, saying the upgrade will enhance regional air connectivity and unlock economic growth.
In Busia County, Ruto presided over the launch of the 13-kilometre Nangina–Sio Port–Okados–Mundere road in Budalang’i, a Sh860 million project expected to link Funyula and Budalang’i constituencies and facilitate trade.
He also laid the foundation stone for the Budalang’i Modern Market, a Sh130 million investment aimed at improving trading conditions for local businesses.
The President further launched the construction of the Sh5.5 billion Nasewa Affordable Housing Project, a 2,000-unit development expected to create jobs and complement the Nasewa County Aggregation and Industrial Park.
Still in Busia, Ruto flagged off construction of the Sh545 million Matayos–Namwitsula Bridge–Nawesa CAIIP–Shibale road, describing it as key to improving mobility and regional integration.
Back in Kakamega, the President commissioned a Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project in Mumias East Constituency that will connect 161 households at a cost of Sh12.7 million.
He said the government has allocated Sh2.37 billion to connect more than 36,700 households to electricity in the county, part of a broader push to expand access to power.
Ruto also laid the foundation stone for the Sh270 million Malaha Modern Market, one of 24 such projects in Kakamega valued at over Sh4.4 billion.
In Vihiga County, the Head of State launched the rehabilitation of the 11-kilometre Chavaki–Lusiola and Shikumu–Malinya roads in Sabatia Constituency at a cost of Sh953 million.
Meanwhile, in Ikolomani Constituency, Kakamega, he broke ground for the Sh212 million Shitoli Water Project, to be implemented by the Lake Victoria Water Works Development Agency. The project is expected to supply clean water to over 45,000 residents.
Beyond infrastructure, the President used the tour to criticise his political opponents, urging leaders to focus on policy alternatives rather than rhetoric.
“I challenge my critics to tell Kenyans the plans they have,” Ruto said, adding that leadership should be anchored on delivery rather than “cheap politics”.
He argued that past leaders had failed to deliver when in office, accusing them of undermining human rights despite now claiming to defend them.
“The people of Kenya are not foolish. They can see through empty sloganeering,” he said.
Ruto maintained that his administration is prioritising investments in housing, roads, electricity, water and other critical sectors to drive national transformation.
He also dismissed divisive politics, saying Kenya has no room for ethnicity, insults and exclusion, and that voters are increasingly demanding accountability and clear development agendas.
Governors Paul Otuoma, Fernandez Baraza and Wilberforce Otichilo, who accompanied the President, said the projects would improve livelihoods and spur economic activity across the region.
Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya and Alice Wahome, alongside Members of Parliament and other leaders, were also present.
The tour continues across Western Kenya, with more project launches and inspections expected in the coming days as the government seeks to accelerate development at the grassroots.
