KISUMU, Kenya — President William Ruto will begin a four-day development tour of the Nyanza region on Friday, with a packed schedule of project launches, inspections, and commissioning across Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori counties.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa said the visit will kick off in Kisumu, where the President is expected to meet regional leaders before presiding over the groundbreaking of the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Busia.
Speaking during a press briefing, Mworoa said the railway project, to be launched on Saturday at Kibos in Kisumu East, is expected to significantly improve transport and trade in the region.
“The SGR currently runs up to Naivasha, and the next phase will extend it to Busia. This project is a game-changer for the region because movement between Nairobi and Kisumu has been very challenging, especially during holidays,” she said.
She noted that persistent congestion along the Nairobi–Kisumu highway has, in the past, left travellers stranded overnight, adding that the railway extension is expected to ease pressure on road transport and enhance connectivity.
According to Mworoa, the contractor has already set up operations in Kibos, with preliminary works underway ahead of the official launch.
Beyond the railway project, the Head of State will oversee multiple development initiatives aligned with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
On Saturday, after the SGR launch, the President will lay the foundation stone for the Yala Affordable Housing Project in Ugunja and break ground for the construction of the Usenge pier under the Kenya Ports Authority.
He will also commission the Rusinga Island Ring Road in Homa Bay, a key infrastructure project aimed at improving mobility and access for residents and businesses.
“The Rusinga Ring Road is one of the key infrastructure projects in the region and will greatly improve movement and access,” Mworoa said.
On Sunday, the President will attend an interdenominational church service in Kasipul constituency before inspecting ongoing road projects, including the Adiedo–Karabok road and the Chemelil–Muhoroni road, which are critical for the region’s sugar belt.
Mworoa said the roads are vital for farmers, facilitating the transportation of sugarcane and other agricultural produce to markets.
The tour will continue on Monday in Migori County, where the President is scheduled to inspect construction works at Kegonga Level Four Hospital and lay the foundation stone for the Mabera Modern Market.
He will also commission the Mabera Affordable Housing Project and the Sondu–Homa Bay–Awendo electricity transmission line.
Additional projects lined up for commissioning include the Kabondo Economic Stimulus Programme market and the Pinowatch Level Three Hospital.
On Tuesday, the President is expected in Usenge, Siaya County, to break ground for another pier project before commissioning the Bar Ober ESP Market and launching the Siaya Affordable Housing Project.
Mworoa said the projects are part of a broader government push to expand infrastructure, boost trade and support local economies.
“Across the region, every county now has several modern markets under construction or already completed. These projects are transforming the local economy and providing opportunities for traders and farmers,” she said.
She assured residents that road closures during the presidential visit would be temporary and limited to the passage of the motorcade.
